Changing Her Life Through Literacy
by Skyler Badenoch, Manager, International Programs
On the dusty plain in Central Malawi, one woman has joined the fight against extreme poverty. Sixty-three-year-old Wilma Victoliya (left, in photo) from the rural village of Chakala, Malawi, has lived her life though colonial rule, unyielding dictators, and now a budding democracy.
As a mother of seven, she has raised her family through drought, famine, and the decimating effects of HIV and AIDS. She grew up during a time when it was unimaginable for girls to have the ability to attend school. However, she is now witnessing the closing of the educational gender gap with girls making up about 50% of the primary school enrollment in her community.
Undoubtedly, Mrs. Victoliya has witnessed drastic changes in her culture and her country, and she is now seeking change in her own life.
As a second-year student in BwB's Community Education Program (CEP) in Malawi, Mrs. Victoliya attends daily classes with the goal of learning basic literacy skills and gaining knowledge about simple ways to improve the social and economic conditions in her community.
“I enrolled in the BwB CEP classes because my grandchildren are attending school and learning to read and write. I wanted to be able to at least do the same,” Mrs. Vicotliya explained. “Today, I can write my name, read and write letters, and understand signs and directions when I travel into town.”
In addition to gaining valuable literacy skills, Mrs. Victoliya is one of six women in her CEP class who formed a goat-raising cooperative under the guidance of BwB-trained facilitators.
“We purchased three female goats last month with hopes that by the end of next year we will have six goats,” Mrs. Victoliya says. “Our plan is to sell any male offspring at the market and keep the female goats to increase our herd.”
Literacy and education are two of the most effective weapons in the war against poverty, and Mrs. Victoliya is putting both to good use.
To learn more about the Community Education Program, click here.