IMPROVING SUPPORT SYSTEMS IN ADDRESSING CHALLENGES OF ELDERLY WIDOWS IN NIGERIA THROUGH NON-FORMAL EDUCATION PRACTICES

Abstract

A call for strengthening of the support systems to address the plights of elderly widows in Nigeria has thrown a challenge to social workers, adult and non-formal educators inclusive. On this ground, the paper explored the potentials of non-formal education in improving the support systems for elderly widows in Nigeria having discussed the phenomenon of widowhood practices and challenges of widows in the country. The paper also analysed current social support systems for elderly widows. Against the backdrop, the paper concluded that non-formal education practices such as self-empowerment of widows through preventive intervention education programme; restoration of African communal relationship through community development education; literacy and continuing opportunities and promotion of community based widows’ associations can be of greater help in addressing the challenges of elderly widows in Nigeria