Literacy in a rural area of Jamaica

Abstract

This study investigated the meaning of literacy to the people of a rural area of Jamaica--two adjacent hillside communities, Content Gap and St. Peters, in the Upper Yallahs Valley. Data collection was by interviews, with a questionnaire, of about 60 percent of the estimated total population of the area. Results suggested that, as far as the farmers in Content Gap and St. Peters are concerned, literacy appears to bear little relation to their work. They are apparently maintaining their traditional methods and techniques, and literacy skills are not vital in that context. However, they do appear to value literacy ability, particularly for their children, as a necessary prerequisite for their being able to undertake other employment as an escape from their rural insecurity. Where literacy skills do play a large part in rural life is in the areas of social participation and recreation