Educação de jovens e adultos (EJA) nas escolas rurais no Piauí: desafios e contribuições

Abstract

Youth and Adult Education (EJA) plays a fundamental role in promoting social inclusion and overcoming illiteracy in Piauí, especially in rural contexts where educational inequalities are more pronounced. This study aims to analyze the challenges and contributions of EJA in rural schools in Piauí. Using a bibliographic and documentary approach, the research examines public policies and educational programs for rural EJA, complementing theoretical analysis with secondary data from INEP, IBGE, and government reports on enrollment, school dropout rates, and educational infrastructure. Grounded in the works of Freire (1997), Arroyo (2005), Saviani (2013), and Caldart (2004), the study contrasts quantitative data with qualitative discussions, identifying obstacles such as lack of infrastructure, shortage of qualified teachers, and access difficulties. The research also highlights initiatives like the integration of EJA with vocational education, critically analyzing their implementation based on educational indicators. Results indicate that, despite progress, structural challenges persist, undermining EJA's effectiveness a finding supported by both literature and official data. The study emphasizes the importance of valuing local knowledge and community participation as essential conditions for emancipatory EJA. It concludes that this educational modality requires public policies aligned with local realities, demonstrating the need for greater investment and contextually adapted pedagogical strategies, as revealed through the combination of documentary analysis, statistical data, and theoretical frameworks