Mirii, Ngugi waBaguma, R.2024-11-062024-11-061979-07-07Ngugi wa Mirii, & Baguma, R. (1979). African regional workshop on participatory research, Mzumbe, 2nd - 7th July, 1979 – Group discussion on literacy content, Groups I & IV.http://192.9.200.215:4000/handle/123456789/132The workshop discussion focused on the role of literacy content in social transformation. The key theme was the importance of relevance to the people’s material conditions and the need for participation in developing content. The Limuru and Kamirithu literacy programs were used as examples of how literacy can empower participants by helping them recognize the oppressive systems they live under. The group also critically examined the role of foreign influence and local elites in maintaining systems of exploitation.This report documents the discussion held during the African Regional Workshop on Participatory Research (Mzumbe, 2nd - 7th July, 1979) on literacy content, with Groups I and IV participating. Led by Ngugi wa Mirii, the group discussed critical questions regarding the role of development in transforming oppressive systems, the impact of foreign domination, and the exploitation of peasants. It was noted that for literacy content to be effective, it must resonate with the people’s material conditions, and the people must contribute to creating the program content. The success of the Limuru Literacy Programme and Kamirithu Programme was highlighted as they raised the participants' awareness of the exploitative and oppressive nature of the system, particularly through participatory content creation.enLiteracyParticipatory ResearchEducationOppressionDevelopmentForeign DominationPeasantsConsciousnessBotswana TheatreLimuru Literacy ProgrammeKamirithu ProgrammeSocial TransformationCommunity ParticipationTechnical Report