Literacy Highlights from Kenya

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Literacy Highlights in 2011

Dear Readers,

2011 has certainly been an exciting year as we worked to advance literacy both here in the United States and around the world! As we count down the days to the New Year, we would like to highlight some of our favorite stories about how literacy has empowered adult learners and their families. Please join us every day over the next 13 days as we share a new story celebrating the power of literacy in transforming lives and communities during 2011!

The following story comes from our partner in Kenya:

“My name is Ann Wanjiku, I am 30 years old and am a single mother. My life has changed completely because of enrolling in Kenya Adult Learner Association’s (KALA) literacy and micro enterprise programs, without which it would have been difficult for me to raise my two children alone.

My story began when I came to Nairobi six years ago to look for employment as a domestic help after my both my parents died, leaving me an orphan. Luckily, I found a family who employed me and I thought that my life was turning for the better.

Eventually, I lived with a man who knew that I was an orphan. He promised to take care of me and my siblings but after we had our second child, he changed. He threw me and my children out of the house. As I was illiterate, it was not easy to get a job.

Fortunately, I was told about KALA, which provides literacy and micro enterprise training. I was able to stay at KALA’s headquarters, and they gave me a small loan which allowed me to start a small business selling vegetables, packaged food, and charcoal. My business started growing and I eventually joined a women’s group in the area and started a saving’s group, also with support from KALA. I took out a second loan to expand my business and buy a sewing machine. Today, I run my own business and employ five women and two men. I am also able to pay for the education of my children and my two sisters.”

Photo Above: Ann Wankjiku and her business partner Jane

Comments

  1. AnonymousDecember 19, 2011 at 10:12 AM

    Ann, what a wonderful testament to your inner courage and self-being. You are an amazing woman who created something from something little. I admire your courage and determination.
    What an inspiration to all women all over the world.

    How do you think more women in your country could do the same?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Nana 675January 16, 2012 at 10:00 PM

    Dear Ann,
    I was born and I grew up in Sierra Leone in West Africa, so I can relate to your story well.I salute you for having the courage to break the cycle of crippling poverty and illiteracy.Do you think that it would be a good idea for KALA to ask you and other women who have succeeded to go into the villages in Kenya and tell your stories so that they will also be empowered to succeed?

    ReplyDelete
  3. EcuatoriGringaFebruary 16, 2012 at 12:57 PM

    Thanks Nana675 for your comment. We've passed it on to our partner program which provided us with Ann's story. Your suggestion makes sense, and we'll make sure KALA knows about it. Of course we hope that as women share their success stories, other women will be encouraged to also take action in their own lives!

    Alesha Anderson, International Program Manager, ProLiteracy

    ReplyDelete
  4. Nana 675February 28, 2012 at 9:38 PM

    Alesha,
    Thank you for your reply.Again, you are doing amazing work!!!

    ReplyDelete

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