Help 200 women in northern Uganda learn to read

On April 14th our 5th year of literacy training begun in post conflict northern Uganda! 100 women will participate in the twice weekly classes for 8 months. Providing this life changing opportunity to women who have experienced unimaginable violence and poverty in the past and are now recovering their lives is our most important program. When you give a woman the opportunity to learn to read and write, her whole world opens up.

Attached is a photo of Cecilina and me two years ago; in the photo Cecilina is 61 years old and a WGEF client. For the first time in her life she can now write her name, she doesn't have to use a thumbprint anymore. She continues to learn and improve her literacy skills and is one of our most committed participants.

This initiative is so very critical to the women of northern Uganda, many of whom missed out on the opportunity to attend school due to the long, brutal insurgency. The region is now rebuilding and WGEF clients are working hard to create a brighter, more secure future for themselves and their families.

Please continue to support this life changing program. The funding initiative is ongoing and the more funds we raise the more women we can include every year. Thank you.

Peace,

Karen Sugar

Links:

• WGEF in the News!

Women’s Global, in consult with Literacy Aid Uganda, a national program promoting literacy throughout Uganda, has
developed a program that is effective and responsive to the needs of our clients. “When a woman learns to read and
write, her whole world changes; possibilities and opportunities are created.”

As of August 2011, 400+ women have participated in our literacy program; 50 women sat for national exams in September 2010,with 100% passing the national literacy examination, receiving a certificate from the Ministry of Education.  Our 2011 training began March 1 thru October, serving 100 women and 97 children. Our goal in 2012 is to increase capacity to 200 women.

In addition we are including child care for one child for participant. Often times this is the only structured program where children are able to participate in a reading and writing and play program.

Our literacy program is one of our most critical offerings; access to basic education is a human right, and the outcomes from providing women this opportunity has been meaningful, relevant and transformative. Women report they are now able to communicate with banking and other officials, help their children with homework, sign their name and communicate more effectively to their customers and peers. Attached is a letter from one of our clients expressing the importance of the program in her life.

Please continue to support this vital program in 2012! On behalf of the women we serve in post conflict northern Uganda, thank you.

Links:

• Video: Revolution, one woman at a time