LLET Pioneers Adult Literacy in Kerala

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In 1958, Dr. A.K. John returned to his hometown of Karthicappally, India, with a plan to launch an adult literacy program. He arrived from the United States bolstered by a new doctorate in theology and inspired by the teachings of world literacy pioneer Dr. Frank C. Laubach. LLET is ProLiteracy's longest continuing program partner -- this year marking the 50th anniversary of our partnership.

Today, LLET can point with pride to a ground swell of evidence it has gathered as to the efficacy of adult basic literacy as a tool of solving problems and resolving social injustices. During the past 50 years, LLET has helped tens of thousands of newly literate men and women earn more income, improve family nutrition, and enjoy greater status and influences in the community. In each class, all learners are welcomed without regard for caste or religion. "The problems of illiteracy and poverty transcend social and religious boundaries. Our cause is universal." (Dr. A.K. John)

Following years of growth, Laubach Literacy Educational Trust now serves more than 3,600 learners each year in the vocational literacy and 100 village "schools" (small learning centers located in homes or public places throughout the state of Kerala). LLET's early work was groundbreaking and it set the stage for subsequent adult education efforts by both the University of Kerala and the Government of Kerala State. LLET has provided extraordinary adult education services to Kerala's underprivileged in the past 50 years, and deserves much credit for the adult literacy rate in Kerala that now approaches 100 percent -- the highest rate of all Indian states.

Frank Laubach, who inspired the beginnings of the Kerala program, often noted that literacy work weaves "silver threads" of love and hope to reach beyond poverty and human differences. Participants in Kerala demonstrate daily the strength of literacy's silver threads.

Amini John, director of LLET, "ProLiteracy has celebrated with us our happy moments and mourned with us in our sorrows. You only have made this organization one of the best in Kerala. All the appreciation that LLET has got from Kerala Government, other NGO's and various organizations is solely by your support."

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