Train 300 Liberians in literacy and democracy

IN FIVE MONTHS OF LEARNING LITERACY TRAINEES PRESERVE WITH THEIR LEARNING

The Rights and Rice Foundation team in the north of Liberia
have reported that literacy learners in 10 communities, with 300 learners have
shown great enthusiasm and motivation. After almost five months of their eleven
months training course, attendance rate is reported to be around 90%.  This is significant for number of reasons.
Firstly the participants are all women, who have never had the opportunity to
attend any formal or non-formal school. Secondly they are hard working mothers,
grandmothers and women who have to work very hard in the field, along with
their male counterparts to provide for their families. Thirdly and in spite of
their very busy schedule, the women are determined to complete their training
course.

The training is done on average three days a week with
participants choosing their own time table, usually two hours a day.  Usually the training takes place at the end
of a hard working day for the women. Their eagerness to learn, using kerosene
and portable solar lamps during sessions is exemplary.

Such enthusiasm among women comes against the background
that women have for a long time being denied access to education on cultural
and other grounds.  They see this
opportunity as a once in a life time and are intent to take full advantage of
it.

Rights and Rice Foundation is grateful for the support of
our donors and can assure that by your various donations you are transforming
lives of people who were otherwise marginalized, lack access to information and
opportunities and who are now taking their rightful place in building Liberia’s
young democracy.

Report by James M. Yarsiah

Project Leader, Liberia

December 26, 2012

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