After nearly four months, the villagers have a lot to be proud of. They've contributed more than 3,000 volunteer work days to build the village's first school. They hope to do their effort justice with a big bash to inaugurate the school later this year. To do that, the villagers are focusing on selling cotton to the National Textile Company.
As the construction comes to an end, the people of Magnambala begin their new Adult Literacy Course. The BwB-sponsored class teaches adults everything from the "three Rs" to tips on health and hygiene. Each village is allowed to recruit 75 adults for the two-year class, but more than 90 adults squeeze into the crowded community school (two small rooms made of mud bricks) every night to learn. The teachers are both women, a huge accomplishment for both the village and BwB since women often have to overcome many obstacles to take such a leading role. In the photo, you'll see one of the teachers on the left; she carries her baby on her back during her lesson. For her and the rest of the villagers, this is the biggest present 2004 could have brought to them.
After nearly four months, the villagers have a lot to be proud of. They've contributed more than 3,000 volunteer work days to build the village's first school. They hope to do their effort justice with a big bash to inaugurate the school later this year. To do that, the villagers are focusing on selling cotton to the National Textile Company.