Imagine how you would function in today’s world if you didn’t know how to read or write. Every aspect of our daily lives relies on being able to understand and communicate through reading and writing — and even doing simple math. When you add in our growing digital world, without these skills, you would simply be left behind.
In Canada, where the literacy rate is 99 percent, it’s easy to take the ability to read and write for granted. But in rural Kenya, where almost 21 percent of working-age adults (25–64) and close to 43 percent of those 65 and over lack basic literacy, the ability to read and write can seem like a luxury, not the ‘fundamental right’ set out by UNESCO. The good news is that it’s never too late to learn, and the Mombasa Adult Literacy Program in Kenya is proof.
Spotlighting Adult Literacy in Mombasa
With children heading back to school and International Literacy Day having just passed on September 8, there is a huge focus on literacy this week. This is especially important because literacy is about so much more than turning letters into words — it’s about independence, self-confidence, and opportunity.
Chalice and the Mombasa site directors understand this and with the help of donors, have taken steps through the Mombasa Adult Literacy Program to bring literacy to adults, who may not have had an opportunity to learn when younger. And the results have been incredible.
Fifty adult learners in the Kikambala community joined the last session, after which 70 percent made outstanding progress in reading, writing, and numeracy after just a three-month period.
Progress at Every Level
From the 15 students who started their literacy journey from scratch, learning basic literacy skills to the 25 learners, who developed fluent reading, writing, and numeracy skills, to the 10 advanced students, who are prepping for higher education and entrepreneurship, the program brought dignity, a profound sense of self-confidence, and a wealth of new opportunities.
Meet Mary & Gladys: Literacy in Action
Mary, 32, and Gladys, 36, embody the true spirit of the program and the importance of recognizing those left behind on Literacy Day. After reaching the advanced literacy class, both women aced their county proficiency exams.
Today, their newfound skills are creating a ripple effect that extends to the next generation. Mary and Gladys can now confidently sit down with their children and help them with their homework — something that was previously impossible. They can read, understand, and sign official documents and do things like follow recipes, create household budgets, and navigate online websites. More importantly, these two amazing women have made great progress in challenging gender barriers and becoming passionate advocates who inspire others in the community to invest in their own education.
Looking Ahead
Literacy has the power to transform individuals, strengthen families, and uplift entire communities. It not only offers people an opportunity to gain broader knowledge and skills, but with greater learning, comes the ability to see wider perspectives, values, and even tolerance for diverse ideas and beliefs. With that, comes the prospect of a more inclusive, respectful, and caring society — one in which we have compassion for one another.