Reforming Adult Education Toward Sustainable Development: Strategies Employed by Adult Learning Centers to Retain Adult Learners in Tanzania

Adult education plays a vital role in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4, which promotes inclusive, equitable, and lifelong learning opportunities for all. Ensuring the retention of adult learners is essential for the sustainability of both communities and adult learning institutions. This study examined strategies employed by adult learning centers in Tanzania to retain adult learners for sustainable adult education. Conducted in the Dodoma region using a qualitative case study design with 42 participants, the study found that learning centers contribute to adult education reforms through curriculum organization, development, and implementation. Retention strategies were categorized into three main approaches: co-creating community-related curricula, implementing self-directed learning pathways, and establishing resilient support systems. Six themes emerged from these strategies, emphasizing community involvement, flexible learning, practical sessions, resource availability, affordable costs, and facilitator training. The study concludes that sustaining adult education requires collaborative efforts among all stakeholders’ education, sustainable development, retention, strategies, and reform.