In a region where social problems are critical and affect the poor majorities, popular education has become an important component of all community development initiatives. Popular education is a source of empowerment for people, it enables them to analyze their situation and devise possible solutions at the same time. As a result, the students begin to address their problems and to formulate actions which can change their situation. The educational system has traditionally failed the majority of the poor as it teaches values often foreign to them brought over during colonial times. Popular education is education designed to help people, particularly those who have not traditionally have access to education or lack political power, to develop the skills needed to organize and take control over their own lives.
Popular education is a method that can prove useful to youth groups and other organizations.
It is based on respect for those who are learning The learning begins with the experience of the learner. Leads to action for change. Stresses the creation and importance of new knowledge. Allows people to gain experience and to organize themselves. Links personal, local experiences to historical and global processes.