Education brings equality

Reading, writing and arithmetic may not seem a priority in communities where immense poverty eats away at the very fabric of family life. But in Burundi, Malawi and Sudan these were exactly the skills which illiterate community members, especially the women, asked for, to enable them to be equipped to find long-term solutions to tackle the poverty in which they live.

In 2000 Mothers' Union responded to the need and initiated their Literacy & Development Programme (MULDP). Designed to use a holistic approach and do more than just make people literate, the programme uses participatory skills to enable community members, men and women, to acquire basic literacy and numeracy skills whilst discussing and planning action on issues and challenges people face on a daily basis. In this way the whole community becomes engaged in:

• Identifying problems and challenges
• Sharing local knowledge and expertise
• Planning local action and resolution of conflicts
• Participating in local HIV/AIDS awareness initiatives
• Setting up of income generating projects

In all areas of community life, women are subordinate to men and this marginalisation of women is contributing to greater poverty levels. Women like Verdiane were deemed worthless by their husbands and other men and were not allowed to take part in income generating activities. But when she and her husband, Deo joined Mothers' Union literacy circle near their Burundi home their lives were transformed. Deo discovered the talents and skills of all women, and valued Verdiane as a partner in their marriage. He learned to respect her, and with literacy training the couple are now running a successful small business, which has lifted them out of poverty and turned an unhappy situation into a happy one.

I am so grateful to the literacy programme, and call upon all illiterate men and women to join it, says Verdiane, it has improved very much my family life.

Mothers' Union Literacy Development Programme is helping communities to work together with confidence and newfound skills. Allowing dreams to turn into reality for thousands of learners in their villages, displacement camps and towns across the three countries. For only 22 the programme is able to help individuals or families, like Verdiane and Deo, in every aspect of their family life. Through its holistic approach, thousands of women are becoming empowered with new skills, living transformed lives and being raised out of poverty.

Now we shall sensitise others about the improved status of women. Women can now express their ideas and know their rights. We can participate in development. Annonciata, Burundi

Take a closer look at the Literacy and Development Programme in:

Burundi
Malawi
Sudan

To see the Literacy & Development programme at work, have a look at our "The Right Change" dvd which gives you invaluable insight into the important work thats been undertaken.

Please help us to continue this life changing work.

To download the Literacy and Development update please go to Action & Outreach Worldwide.