Percepção de moradores de duas comunidades rurais sobre a EJAI e sua função social: as contribuições de uma campanha em defesa da educação como direito de todas as idades

Abstract

Young adults and Elderly Education (Educação de Jovens Adultos e Idosos - EJAI) in Brazil has experienced periods of progress and setbacks throughout its history, largely influenced by political will and this affects the fight against illiteracy and the broader education of individuals who have had their right to education denied or interrupted. Consequently, despite its potential for social redress, EJAI suffers from a lack of investment, resulting in slow progress in promoting social advancement. This research aimed to understand the perceptions of a group of residents from two rural communities in the municipality of Cruz das Almas-BA regarding EJAI and its social function. A public campaign advocating for education as a right for all ages was developed. The investigation was supported by essential theoretical contributions, notably from Freire (1996, 2003, 2005), Gadotti and Romão (2001), Paiva (1973, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1994), Moura (2008), Durante (1998), Haddad and Di Pierro (2000), Minayo (2001), Medeiros (2003), among others. The methodology was based on a qualitative, descriptive-exploratory approach. A semi-open questionnaire was administered to some residents and attendees of the rural communities of Lagoa do Cedro and Melancia to gather their views on the subject. The campaign in the communities facilitated the exchange of knowledge, as citizens expressed their positions on the demands presented to them about the program, in addition to highlighting the importance of EJAI. The sensitization campaign results indicated that while most residents are aware of EJAI, the denial of its provision and complacency reflect a lack of awareness of their rights to the program, which has been discontinued in most rural communities. Moreover, the campaign effectively encouraged the population to advocate for the creation of classes and quality EJAI for all residents of Cruz das Almas. It is therefore concluded that it is the responsibility of municipal representatives, managers, and teachers to ensure that no citizen, regardless of their age, has their educational rights neglected, striving to invest in infrastructure and in the pedagogical, curricular, and formative dimensions of individuals.