Transforming Mission: Adult Literacy

Working Together

Helping women and men learn to read and write is an integral part of the the work of Canadian Baptist Ministries and our partner churches in Africa. Adult literacy projects are having an impact upon the lives of individuals, their families and their communities.

According to the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) 38 percent of African adults are illiterate, and two thirds of these are women. Africa is the only continent where more than half of the parents are not able to help their children with homework due to illiteracy. And yet African governments spent less than one percent of their annual education budgets on addressing adult illiteracy. 

Illiteracy closes doors: inhibiting people from improving their livelihood, increasing their income, protecting their health, and fully participating in their community. Illiteracy creates shame. It isolates and erodes human dignity.

Teacher Andrew speaking to his adult literacy class

in Kariobangi, Nairobi

Throughout Kenya and Rwanda, our partner churches are converting sanctuaries into classrooms during the weekdays and evenings in order to address the issue of illiteracy. These adult classes bring together people from outside of the churches and welcomes them into a learning community where everyone is valued. 

In the communities of Kariobangi and Haruma, two of our colleagues, Andrew and Alamu, lead afternoon and evening classes for people who never had the opportunity to finish school. "Many of our students didn't even know how to hold a pencil and write their names when they first came to register for the classes," shares Andrew. "But now with their determination to learn, they are doing so well."

Members of the adult literacy classes 
in Kariobangi, Nairobi

Last week, we had the joy of meeting many of the adult literacy students who have been studying at Andrew's church. They live in one of the poorest areas of Nairobi along the polluted Mathare Valley, and yet they were full of pride. Many shared how God was using this ministry to give them new hope for a future for them and for their community.

Erica, Alamu (literacy teacher) and Laura (project officer)
in Haruma Slum, Nairobi

Throughout our literacy projects, we are intentional with connecting students to other ministries that seek to strengthen individuals and families holistically. Self help groups, food security, livelihood enhancement, psychosocial support, improved sanitation, community health, child education, and pastoral care are all linked to literacy initiatives. Our team often says that literacy classes are the matatu platform (bus stop) where people gather and find a vehicle that will take them forward.

Please join us in praying for and supporting these important ministries. You can learn more about Canadian Baptists Ministries and our work in Africa and around the world at www.cbmin.org 

“Literacy is a bridge from misery to hope. It is a tool for daily life in modern society. It is a bulwark against poverty, and a building block of development, an essential complement to investments in roads, dams, clinics and factories. Literacy is a platform for democratization, and a vehicle for the promotion of cultural and national identity. Especially for girls and women, it is an agent of family health and nutrition. For everyone, everywhere, literacy is, along with education in general, a basic human right.... Literacy is, finally, the road to human progress and the means through which every man, woman and child can realize his or her full potential.” 
Kofi Annan