wfn.org | ACNS Celebrating 8 years of Literacy and Development in Burundi

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Celebrating 8 years of Literacy and Development in Burundi

Posted On : September 29, 2008 3:46 PM | Posted By : Admin ACO
Related Categories: Burundi

ACNS: http://www.anglicancommunion.org/acns/news.cfm/2008/9/29/ACNS4529

In September 2008 a celebration was held in Bujumbura by the Province of
the Anglican Church of Burundi to mark 8 years of the Mothers' Union
Literacy and Development Programme.

The programme operates in all the dioceses through a network of trainers
and facilitators who operate a system of literacy circles for learners.
There are currently 737 circles operating. It is an inclusive programme
that is available to all regardless of gender, ethnicity, or religion.
Since the start of the programme about 26,000 individuals, 75% of whom
are women, are now able to read and write to a standard that is
nationally recognized by the Government's literacy programme and
accredited by the Ministry of Education.

The celebration was an occasion to acknowledge the achievements of the
programme in a country where 67% of the population is illiterate. A
number of personal stories were shared. One widow told how she had
become literate after her husband's death and now has the courage to
cope with being HIV positive. The programme empowered her to overcome
abuse, misunderstanding, and a sense of inferiority. Through the
formation of an association she is encouraging and supporting others
living with HIV and AIDS. She is also now challenging others to be
tested for the virus and persuading families to send their children to
school so that they too can become literate and numerate.

During a recent period of evaluation of the programme, several men spoke
of some of the changes that have occurred in their families. They told
how they are now helping their wives with domestic activities such as
the cultivation of their land. Men are also involving their wives in the
making of decisions. One woman told how she inherited land from her
father when he decided to divide it equally between his 3 sons and 2
daughters.

A volunteer facilitator who is a prisoner and working with a literacy
circle in the prison among her fellow women prisoners, some of whom have
babies and children with them, told how women were becoming literate and
able to read and write letters for other prisoners. She shared how some
heard of God's love and forgiveness for the first time. She also told of
their need for practical signs of Christian love in the form of soap,
clothes, and especially blankets because of the cold nights.

The programme is a catalyst for family and community empowerment and
transformation. One of its main objectives is sustainable development
and poverty reduction. Throughout the dioceses numerous associations
have been formed. These are able to address local issues and share
resources to the benefit of all. They also engage in income-generating
projects that not only provide income for families but also bring people
together where once there had been hatred and division. The programme
therefore is not only providing literacy and numeracy skills but is
far-reaching as a tool for conflict resolution, reconciliation, and
unity.

> Article from: EAB Press

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