Honduras - Nonformal Education

As in most Central American countries, adult education programs focus on three areas: literacy programs, agrarian education and community development programs, and vocational courses. The illiteracy rate in Honduras at the end of the twentieth century stood at about 73 percent. In the rural areas, more than 80 percent of the population was illiterate. Literacy classes are offered by government agencies, the private sector, and religious organizations. The Ministry of Education established an accelerated literacy program for adults so that they can complete their primary education in four years. Agrarian education programs are administered by governmental and international agencies and by private organizations. Honduras has many nongovernmental organizations that offer vocational training and literacy classes. These programs are carried out in cooperation with the appropriate state agencies.

Vocational education spans the three levels: the common cycle, the diversified level, and the university level. The complexity of this education increases from the lower to the higher levels. Also, distance learning is administered by the National Autonomous University of Honduras and by the National Pedagogic University Francisco Morazán. The courses offered tend to be more academic than vocational. Distance learning students are required to do the same work as students who attend the main campuses.