“No literacy, no development.” ~ Brother Edwin Joseph
This statement makes clear how critical it is that the poor of Madagascar have an opportunity to learn to read and write. The literacy classes funded by CRMF can provide opportunities for students to be involved with other programs as well, such as participation in the family garden initiatives.
Literacy training has always been at the forefront of CRMF support in Madagascar. CRMF started with funding for one literacy center in 2002 and offered the first adult literacy program for the poor in the Tamatave region.
Literacy classes expanded based on high demand, and we have funded more than 20 centers, including school supplies, teacher training, salaries, and in some centers electricity or solar lighting.
Over 3500 people completed basic literacy instruction through the classes.
“The bridge from misery to hope” ~ Mme. Dordinette Veromanjaka, literacy program director
For more than 20 years, the free literacy training programs organized by ONG St Gabriel, led by community members, and funded by CRMF have been a source of hope and provided a path to a better life.
The program format has changed over time to adjust to the needs of the students. Some learning took place in centers, other small groups met in homes.
From Literacy Students to Community Leaders
Women graduates of the literacy programs are now heping to fight poverty with a new weapon: the support that they give one another in self-help groups. Modeled after a program in India, each group has between 12 and 20 members, and is overseen by an ONG St Gabriel staff member. In the groups, the women elect leaders, learn to save money, and eventually can take out a small business loan.
Technology Training
Literacy is not limited to reading and writing, it includes computer literacy as well. 70 students completed technology training in the summer of 2020, and another 45 in the fall. There was also special training session for one of the new women’s self-help groups.
Computer literacy students learn basic skills that can lead to better jobs.
Brother Edwin and Vero with a group of computer graduates.
Students working in a computer literacy center
World Literacy Day, September 8, is always a cause for celebration.
Literacy
Beginning with the Basics
“No literacy, no development.” ~ Brother Edwin Joseph
This statement makes clear how critical it is that the poor of Madagascar have an opportunity to learn to read and write. The literacy classes funded by CRMF can provide opportunities for students to be involved with other programs as well, such as participation in the family garden initiatives.
Literacy training has always been at the forefront of CRMF support in Madagascar. CRMF started with funding for one literacy center in 2002 and offered the first adult literacy program for the poor in the Tamatave region.
Literacy classes expanded based on high demand, and we have funded more than 20 centers, including school supplies, teacher training, salaries, and in some centers electricity or solar lighting.
Over 3500 people completed basic literacy instruction through the classes.
“The bridge from misery to hope” ~ Mme. Dordinette Veromanjaka, literacy program director
For more than 20 years, the free literacy training programs organized by ONG St Gabriel, led by community members, and funded by CRMF have been a source of hope and provided a path to a better life.
The program format has changed over time to adjust to the needs of the students. Some learning took place in centers, other small groups met in homes.
From Literacy Students to Community Leaders
Women graduates of the literacy programs are now heping to fight poverty with a new weapon: the support that they give one another in self-help groups. Modeled after a program in India, each group has between 12 and 20 members, and is overseen by an ONG St Gabriel staff member. In the groups, the women elect leaders, learn to save money, and eventually can take out a small business loan.
Technology Training
Literacy is not limited to reading and writing, it includes computer literacy as well. 70 students completed technology training in the summer of 2020, and another 45 in the fall. There was also special training session for one of the new women’s self-help groups.
World Literacy Day, September 8, is always a cause for celebration.