International Literacy Day

One of many learning stations in the Mapalo ECE classroom.

This week we are celebrating literacy programs for all ages! Each year, on September 8th, we celebrate the opportunities that literacy provides.

At our sister schools in Zambia, literacy begins in the ECE (preschool) classroom. Mapalo ECE teacher Ms. Mubanga has made colorful, tactile, and exciting tools for students to learn their letters and sounds! Her brightly colored classroom is a haven for young learners as they make connections between, letters, colors, sounds, and actions. You may have also seen our recent blog post about the importance of songs as learning tools, where you can see our little friends in action with Ms. Mubanga! These lessons learned in the first few years are the building blocks for students’ continued learning and success.

In Malawi, DR Congo, and Luapula, our colleagues at the community centers are building up literacy programs for adults who may not have had access to literacy lessons earlier in life. School fees, book and uniform costs, and family resources all pose barriers to education, so having free access to books, literacy lessons, and caring support systems at the community centers can make a world of difference! The ability to read and write is a big step towards empowerment, which is why our colleagues have identified it so strongly. From writing one’s name to reading medicine bottles, literacy is a skill that can’t be undervalued.

We are grateful for the continued push from colleagues, supporters, and students to keep learning and building towards a brighter future!