Fringe benefits to learning to read and write!

The Mothers' Union is finding that their Literacy & Development Programme is having some unexpected benefits not only improving literacy worldwide but enriching marriage relationships.

Since its inception in 2000 the MU Literacy and Development programme has used an approach that does more than help people to read and write - the work seeks to eradicate poverty, empower women and encourage and support family life.

Rose Ndayiziga from Burundi has been a participant in a literacy group set up by her local branch of the Mothers' Union.  Rose is 40 years old.  She is married to Athanase and they have 8 children with one orphan they are taking care of.  As her family grew in number, she left Athanase several times, fearing sex and falling pregnant again.  Rose also struggled with taking care of her family and felt hopeless in her situation.

Rose explains: "I discovered that being part of the literacy group taught me not only to read and write but how to look after my family.  I used to feel burdened by my family responsibilities.  When I was given the chance to discuss how I was feeling with others in the group, I discovered that many of my problems were linked with these feelings.  I asked for advice from the others, talked to my husband and we learned how to use birth control and our family life has improved.  Now my husband is very supportive and he is even a member of the local literacy steering group!" 

Deo Burikukiye and his wife's marriage has also been enriched through attending their villages literacy group. Deo says, "Before we attended the group we used to quarrel a lot but since we have shared ideas our family and marriage life has improved dramatically."

Trish Heywood, recently World Wide President of the MU passionately believes that the work we do has enriched so many lives, "Marriage is a very important part of all that the MU exists to promote.  As an organsiation we strongly believe that couples need to be supported and encouraged in their marriages.  We are involved in marriage preparation and support for those experiencing problems in their relationships and for men and women experiencing the illness or death of a partner."