Learners of the adult literacy program run by Shine Zambia, a Zambian charity, are seen at a classroom in Lusaka, Zambia, June 27, LUSAKA, July 5 Xinhua -- In the heart of Kalikiliki Compound, an informal settlement in the Zambian capital of Lusaka, a group of adults, mostly women, are gathered in a classroom, eager to learn how to read and write. Many of them have never had the opportunity to attend school and have spent most of their lives struggling to communicate and understand the world around them.
Thanks to the adult literacy program run by Shine Zambia, a Zambian charity, these people are now on the path to a better life. The program provides basic literacy skills to adults who have never been to school or dropped out of school early in their childhood.
Classes are held for two hours every school day and cover a range of subjects including reading, writing and basic math. Kabwe, 47, disclosed that she has made significant progress in her reading and writing endeavors since she enrolled in the program about a year ago.
Loveness Siwelwa, 50, said when she was a young girl, she was forced to drop out of school because of a lack of educational support. Another beneficiary of the program Janet Mweembe, 58, explained that she has become more assertive as a result of being able to read and write. But I am now able to facilitate meetings in my community and articulate development issues with confidence," Mweembe said. For year-old Susan Banda, who dropped out of school in seventh grade more than two decades ago, the adult literacy program is a springboard to a better future.
I have always dreamed of being a nurse," Banda added. Further discussions with beneficiaries of the program revealed that they no longer have to rely on others to read labels on food packages and medicines. Adult learners also expressed gratitude to Shine Zambia's volunteers and staff who they said work tirelessly to create a safe and supportive learning environment for all students.
