FUNCTIONS OF DISTANCE EDUCATION IN PROMOTING SOCIAL ENTERPRISES IN RURAL AREAS OF PAKISTAN: TEACHERS’ AND STUDENTS’ BELIEFS

Abstract

Social enterprise is an important idea to resolve many societal issues at micro and macro level. This global concept appeared to have a significant impact on the improvement of communities. Like other countries, Pakistan has also been depositing significant resources in framework of social enterprise to supplement community services. This paper therefore, examined the beliefs about the functions of distance education in promoting social enterprises in rural areas of Punjab. Total 360 students and 120 teachers (with rural background) from 06 universities were the sample of the study. The data were collected purposively using two separate questionnaires. Multilevel analyses were performed to measure the participants’ beliefs. It is obvious from the findings that distance education performed significantly to enhance the awareness of social enterprises in the rural setting. This awareness also demonstrates as social services and attempt to enhance social set-up of the rural residents.