MOJA Africa, recently hosted a highly engaging webinar titled "Examining the REFLECT Methodology: A Key Approach in Adult Education." The webinar was, held on May 29, 2025, which, brought together adult education practitioners and stakeholders from across Africa specific west Africa and East Africa, to delve into the transformative power of the REFLECT (Regenerated Freirean Literacy through Empowerment and Community Techniques) approach.

The webinar featured insightful presentations from two distinguished speakers: Ms. BASSINGA Traoré Solange from the Association for the Promotion of Non-formal Education (APENF) in Burkina Faso, and Ms. Harriet Akello, Acting Assistant Commissioner for Adult Literacy at the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development in Uganda. Both presenters offered invaluable perspectives and practical experiences from their respective regions, highlighting the benefits and achievements of the REFLECT methodology.

Insights from west Africa

Ms. BASSINGA Traoré Solange opened the session by introducing the SIRAYIRI Formation Association (ASF) and elaborating on why REFLECT was chosen over other adult education approaches. She emphasized that REFLECT is a learner-centric program built upon the needs and concerns of beneficiaries, fostering a dynamic learning process that blends theory and practice.

Key advantages highlighted included the adoption of instrumental and technical skills, the potential for reinvestment and sustainability of acquired knowledge, and the active participation of the community. The presentation showcased compelling examples, such as the construction of anti-erosive sites, compost production, tree planting, and the establishment of successful poultry and beekeeping projects, all driven by empowered learners.

Insights from east Africa

Ms. Harriet Akello then provided a comprehensive overview of Uganda's experience with REFLECT, particularly through the Integrated Community Learning for Wealth Creation (ICOLEW) Programme, initiated in 2014/2015 with technical support from DVV International.

She explained that REFLECT in Uganda focuses on issue-based learning, integrating literacy and numeracy with practical solutions to community problems. The program has successfully incorporated Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLA) for financial literacy, livelihood skills training, and community development initiatives addressing issues like gender-based violence, low crop yield, and school dropout rates.

Ms. Akello highlighted best practices such as the promotion of personal and community development, critical thinking, active participation, poverty eradication through savings and investment, and gender awareness.

She proudly shared that approximately 4,000 learners have graduated from the 24-month program and are now engaged in post-literacy activities and vocational skills training at Community Learning Centers (CLCs).

Engagement and interactive sessions

The webinar fostered a highly interactive environment, with participants actively engaging through questions and contributions in both English and French.

Discussions revolved around several critical aspects of REFLECT implementation:

• Multilevel Class Management: Mr. Mor Djakati from Senegal raised a pertinent question about managing multi-level REFLECT circles, where learners progress at different paces. Ms. Solange acknowledged this challenge and shared ASF's approach of peer learning and additional support from facilitators outside regular circle hours.
• Literacy Environment: The importance of a supportive literacy environment was discussed, with Mr. Djakati inquiring about pedagogical materials developed to ensure sustained literacy. Ms. Solange explained that ASF creates summaries of lessons as reading materials and encourages learners to bring in stories for collective writing, while also noting the positive impact of national language initiatives in Burkina Faso.
• Program Duration and Certification: Questions arose regarding the 24-month duration of the REFLECT program in Uganda and the 22-month program in Senegal, and whether certificates are issued. Ms. Akello confirmed that government-issued certificates are provided upon completion of the 24-month program in Uganda, with assessments at initial, continuous, and summative stages. Ms. Solange clarified that in Burkina Faso, the state conducts certificate evaluations after two years, issuing attestations, with the third year focused on reinforcement.
• Facilitator Support and Motivation: The role and motivation of facilitators were a recurring theme. Ms. Akello detailed Uganda's cascaded capacity-building processes, constant monitoring, and a budget for facilitator stipends and support, including ensuring facilitators work close to their homes. Ms. Solange echoed the importance of ongoing pedagogical meetings and support from supervisors and technical services.
• Addressing Dropout Rates: Ms. Akello addressed concerns about dropout rates in Uganda, attributing the low numbers to the proximity of REFLECT centers to households and afternoon class timings, which accommodate women's care work.
• Relevance to Needs: Mr. Saïd Raki, Secretary General of the Moroccan Forum for Lifelong Learning, emphasized the crucial need for adult education approaches and programs to respond to the specific needs of diverse groups, advocating for encouraging environments, pathways to formal education, and a culture of lifelong learning to prevent regression into illiteracy.
• Government Recognition and Support: Mr. Abdoulaye Yotaba from APM Burkina Faso affirmed that the REFLECT approach is officially recognized and validated by the Burkinabe state, receiving funding at a national level, underscoring its significant impact across the country.

The webinar concluded with a strong emphasis on the collaborative spirit of the MOJA platform, encouraging participants to join the online community for networking, resource sharing, and continued engagement in adult education across Africa. The organizers expressed gratitude to all presenters and participants for their valuable contributions, highlighting the shared commitment to advancing adult learning and education on the continent.