Abstract

Community based learning and outreach is a strategy through which academic institutions worldwide including University of Ghana have successfully stayed relevant to less privileged communities; they exist in bringing benefits of education to their (less privileged communities) doorstep. Learner’s participation has been an objective that any adult functional literacy program seeks to encourage for success. This study captured internal and external factors and their significance in influencing urbanite learners’ participation in active classes, with high attendance and involvement. Literature survey and experience survey methods were used respectively to collect information from Institute of Continuing and Distance Education’s literature; and data from functional literacy learners in six learning centres of Nima and Accra New Town, at East Ayawaso Sub-District, Accra. Sample size was 116. Chi-square analysis showed internal factors relating to learner were significant. Study generated the Learn-edge Group Outreach Network strategy, and the Community-based learning Access and Success model. Study concluded that applications of internal factors of Urbanite Woman Learner Participation in mass literacy programme did enhance community based learning and outreach of University of Ghana system. The strategy and model may worth advancing community-based learning and outreach of universities in African

Key words: Functional literacy, urbanite female, adult learners’ participation, community-based learning, learn-edge.