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This project has, so far, established 98 village literacy centres throughout three districts in Western Province. Groups of women and girls attend weekly meetings at the centres, where they receive literacy training from Community Resource Facilitators and have the opportunity to discuss issues affecting their rights such as child abuse and HIV/AIDS. Training in leadership and participatory methodology has enabled almost 100 women to facilitate their own weekly meetings within their communities, reaching out to even more women and girls.
“After joining the adult literacy classes I can now read and write simple sentences. I can also add and subtract which enables me to keep a basic record of my business.”
The centres also provide support for vocational training and access to micro-credit and savings schemes, which have enabled many of the women to establish successful income generating activities, such as poultry farming, hairdressing and cereal production. The women and girls can access further support and advice from four fully equipped Community Resource Centres, which provide access to a wealth of information on literacy, nutrition, education, family planning and income generation. As well as support from their peers during the weekly literacy meetings, women, such as sex workers and those who have suffered abuse, can seek specialised support at these centres, including legal advice and counseling.
The project also aims to raise awareness about domestic violence and women’s rights throughout the three districts. Through workshops, campaigns and community events, WEAEP’s social workers educate community members about women’s rights abuse, its legal ramifications and available support. WEAEP also runs a hotline for abused women and girls, which receives at least 100 calls every day, and has a regular spot on Mulembe FM, a local radio station, during which it discusses issues of domestic violence and women’s rights. |
Generously supported by:
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