In the heart of communities across various villages, a beacon of hope shines brightly through the Literacy Program, igniting a path of empowerment and transformation. As we reflect on the journey thus far, we are humbled by the blessings and successes witnessed in each center, showcasing the power of education and determination

Dhodia:

In 2019 94% of the men and women who participated in the literacy program were not part of the church. In 2020 as it was difficult to get permission from the village heads and gather the students we thought we will have a break. Then the COVID gave two more years of break. This year we could organize the program in 3 centers.

Usually Dhodia classes will have mixed group with men and women, from inside the church and from outside the church. But this year in all the 3 centers only women came to learn. It is a matter of concern to pray. But praise God. They have come from both sides. Usually it is very difficult to limit the number of students to 10. But this year in the 3 centers together only 28 students had come. In Bamanvel village there were 10, in Gandeva 9 and in Mahudi 9. People are very much interested to come but are afraid of the opposition from village leaders. But praise God for all those who came. We don’t have any pictures of Dhodia classes as the women were very much afraid of their pictures being taken. Please pray that we may be able to conduct classes in five centers next year.

Bhili:

Literacy classes were conducted in 5 centers. Both men and women were enthusiastic to learn. In Fatepura there were 10 women and 2 men. In Vadla there were 8 women and 2 men. In Kakanvani there were 10 enthusiastic women participants. In Gadvada 8 women and 4 men enthusiastically participated. In Purnali 7 men and 3 women came to learn. In this center the village head Maen Patel who never went to school, and other young men also joyfully came to learn. The enthusiastic participation of men is a matter to praise God. Also Praise God for the new boldness that has come as the result of the Literacy program to those who participated in it. According to our worker Rasiya, they say, all these days we were uneducated but now have become educated and we are able to read and write, and we can go forward now. In terms of reading and writing they were blind and now can see. It makes a world of difference to them.

All the teachers were servants of God. There are many others eager to teach their people to read but our worker can not supervise and help more than one center a day because the places are far away and classes will be conducted simultaneously in the evening. I am thinking of having the program conducted in five more centers with supervision to each center every other week instead of once a week. Please pray for God’s wisdom to meet the need without sacrificing the quality and efficiency.

Bhilodi:

In Bhilodi language Literacy program was conducted in four centers. In the fifth center the teacher was ready but he couldn’t gather the students in time. The enthusiasm of the people to learn varies from place to place. In some places people are waiting eagerly and in other places they need to be motivated. Please pray that they will realize their need and be motivated.

Praise God for we could organize the class exclusively for men in Umriya center this year. The men usually don’t come because of two reasons. Number one is psychological. They feel embarrassed to sit and learn like children as adults. It seems the ladies don’t mind at all to come down. A real blessing! Please pray for the men to become like children easily. Number two is cultural. As I have told already the women need to cover their face in the presence of the men from their husband’s family. So in order to allow their women learn, out of compassion they don’t come. Praise god, in Gadoi center we could organize the class for10 brave men. Please pray for more of such Men’s classes.

In all the other centers we had 10 women. In Vaniyavav center two teenage girls who never had the opportunity to study, came to learn and they learnt with great enthusiasm. All the participants in all the centers have never been to school before. In the beginning they didn’t even know how to hold the slates and pencils. Our workers and the teachers worked really hard to teach them how to read and write.

Vagadi:

Literacy classes were conducted in 3 centers. In Vagadi, usually it will be very difficult to find villages with people who are interested to learn. With lot of prayers our translator Shailendra bhai could find three villages with people who are eager to learn. But until now it is still difficult to motivate Vagadi men to come forward to learn. Not even one has come so far. It is still intial stage here to pioneer as adult learners. It may take time for men to come down to sit and learn like children.

Gamit:

Literacy classes were conducted in 3 centers are conducted in their Mother tongue Gamit which attracts big crowds.

All those who have participated in the Literacy program are very happy because they could get this opportunity to learn to read and write. They are very grateful to God for giving them this great opportunity, and to you for your prayerful support. Praying for you all that the Lord may bless each one of you for supporting the adult literacy program.

This blog was written by our Project Lead Member, Christina Ponpriya ♥

To learn more or donate to Adult Literacy Program in India, visit their campaign page https://devxchange.org/campaigns/adult-literacy-india/

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