Literacy skills for 200 refugee women and girls

This months ( Friday 26th November 2021), we graduated 25 South Sudanese women and girls who completed our six months integrated Functional Adult Literacy Program. Besides learning basic numeracy and literacy skills, the women also learnt leadership skills. Other areas covered during the six months training were; Hygiene and Sanitation, basic facts on the spread and prevention of COVID-19, HIV/AIDS and other reproductive health issues that affect women, Environment specifically the need for tree planting as women are the  most affected by climate change effects. Aspects of entreprenmuarship and business management skills were also discussed. The training was practical, conducted twice a week and classes lasting 2-3 hours. 90% of the women registered full attendance of the training over the 6 months period. 

According Ms. Asienzo, a 45 year old single mother of 6 children living in Boroli settlement of Adjumani, learning English was like a dream for her. ''I was married off at the age of 17, my father did not value girls education so i was not taken to school though I had much interest to study because I knew when one studies, they are able to change their lives and those around them, but I didnt get that opportunity. I made a promise to ensure all my children get an education that I why I struggle as a single mother to ensure my children attend school. Am so happy to learn how to read and write in English, even though what I know is small, it will help me read my children's report cards and understand plus i can also talk to some of my customers who dont speak my language since I sell vegetables in the market. Thank you Voice for Humanity for bringing for us teachers who are from the community as they made us understand easily since they can translate some things in our language'.  

Thank you all for making it possible for Asienzo and her friends gain the skills that will not only nimprove on their self confidence but imporve the quality of life of their families. Educated woman means a healthier family. We are more than grateful for you kind donation that has enabled us buy the training materials and facilitate community teachers to make a difference.

While the COVID-19 restriction has made holding of group learning programs, the project team has developed and adapted the project to the prevailing situation. As of July 2021, the project team will be conducting radio based literacy learning program to teach adults basic numeracy and literacy skills. These will be integrated with other cross-cutting issues including issues on COVID-19 prevention measures, hygiene and sanitation practices, gender based violence and available referral mechanism for survivors of violence, Environment and Reproductive health issues. There will be one hour program held on Radio Salama which is widely listened to by Refugees at Adjumani and this will be conducted two days a week totaling to 2 hours per week of learning and sharing information on those other critical cross cutting issues essential for the welfare of especially women and children during these covid 19 lockdown.

Voice for Humanity Uganda appreciates yoru continued support as we equip refugee women and girls with literacy skills for self reliance.