What Does a Learn to Read Program for Adults Offer?
Most education targets children and teenagers; however, many adults are not functionally literate. Providing a learn to read program for adults helps individuals build skills that promote hope.
Simply put, literacy is the ability to read and write. However, Literacy Advance contends that “Literacy is the ability to read, write, speak and listen, and use numeracy and technology, at a level that enables people to express and understand ideas and opinions, to make decisions and solve problems, to achieve their goals, and to participate fully in their community and in wider society.”1
GFA World has been combatting adult illiteracy for years in Asia. GFA literacy classes teach adults valuable reading, writing and elementary math skills. Functional literacy qualifies adults for higher-paying jobs and empowers adults to advocate for themselves and their families. Literacy classes connect adults with helpful and engaging teachers who offer:
- Reading lessons — Through literacy classes, adults learn to identify and pronounce letters alone and in sentences; and read books, newspapers, paperwork and much more. Reading and writing skills help adults read road signs, job applications, medicine bottles and their children’s homework. These skills allow adults to help their children and even teach them God’s Word.
- Math lessons — Literacy classes teach adults simple addition, subtraction and other math equations to help them navigate shopping, taxes or other household finances. Learning math skills protects adults from overpaying for necessary items or services.
GFA World’s literacy classes empower adults like Mandeepa to read, write and experience the hope of Jesus.2
Mandeepa experienced dire poverty throughout her childhood. After Mandeepa’s father died, she and her siblings began working to supplement the family’s income. Some worked in the field with their mother; Mandeepa became a housekeeper. In her later teen years, her mother arranged her marriage, so she became a wife and a mother. Mandeepa’s work and marriage prevented her from attending school.
When Mandeepa was 32 years old, the Women’s Fellowship at her church started literacy classes. She eagerly signed up and began learning basic letters, sounds and words. After 1 year in literacy classes, Mandeepa could read her Bible; this gave her hope and joy.
Literacy classes empower individuals, their families and their communities. Consider offering life-changing literacy classes for adults like Mandeepa!
Learn to read for adults1 “Defining Literacy.” Memorial Assitance Ministries / Literacy Advance of Houston. Accessed 26 February 2022. https://www.mamhouston.org/literacyadvance.
2 “Literacy: Something to Be Treasured.” GFA World. September 2017. https://www.gfa.org/news/articles/literacy-something-to-be-treasured-wfr17-19/.