- PROGRAMS -
Introduction
Literacy
Savings
Groups
Economics
Men's
Group
Regional
Workshops |
LITERACY
 Literacy
is the foundation of empowerment, and the first step in forming savings
groups.
In groups of 20-25, the women meet nightly for two hours, six times a
week, for six months. With enormous effort and sacrifice, many women participate
over the objections of their families.
The literacy teacher is usually hired from the community. Supplies
consist of pencils, paper, a lantern and a blackboard. The curriculum
includes the basics of reading, writing and simple math, butmore importantly
it raises the women’s awareness of their own situation and they begin
to see how they can act for social change.
Upon completion of the program, most women have learned to read a simple
text and do simple accounting. They have also learned business skills
and how to run a village savings group. Armed with new ideas and a newfound
self-esteem, the women are now ready to start their group.
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