Mozambique Literacy for Life

Overview

Mission Educate are running a Bible based literacy project designed to teach people to read the Bible and provide basic literacy, numeracy and life skills. It targets those living in impoverished city areas and rural communities who have little access to education and works with churches who have very few literate people amongst their communities.

The Need

Mozambique is considered to be one of the world’s poorest nations with more than 50% of the population living below the poverty line. It is ranked 181 out of 188 nations in the Human Project Development Ranking. According to the UNESCO report of 2015, 44% of the Sofala province and 32% of the population of the Inhambane province are non-literate. Mozambique has a broad expression of religious beliefs, with a significant portion of the population Christian. However, the literacy level in many congregations means that the Bible is not easily read or understood, even by pastors.

#181 44% 32% 64% out of 188 nations in the Human Project Development Ranking. of the Sofala province are non-literate. of the Inhambane province are non-literate. of the Nampula province are non-literate.

Goals

The literacy project targets disadvantaged individuals and families within the Sofala and Inhambane provinces. Literacy classes will be held in community settings with the immediate objective being to provide 546 individuals, both men and women with literacy skills. This will be done by conducting the Literacy project

Impact

in 19 groups across three provinces and eight districts.

The success of the project will be measured by an exit assessment of the individual’s literacy competency for each module of the program. Curriculum has been developed and facilitators trained and supported as they teach participants.

In 2021, classes were established in 26 villages across five provinces with 544 students completing the literary program. These students achieved a Grade 3 literacy standard. The project developed an effective pedagogic methodology for the development of literacy, basic numeracy, health and fundamental agricultural skills.

In 2023, the project will run 19 groups across three provinces, directly benefitting 546 participants (501 women and 45 men).

The Literacy for Life Project will transform individuals, families and communities, potentially resulting in 2,750 indirect beneficiaries. Church congregations are expected to be transformed with an increase in literate members who can read the Bible and engage in meaningful Bible discussions, encouraging the formation of personal faith.

Prayer Needs

In 2023, the project will continue to work towards seeing Mozambicans provided with the skills to read and write, and fulfil the plan God has for their lives. The team will employ four full time staff and 19 group facilitators across three provinces. All participants will be presented with their own Bible at the completion of Module One.

Testimonies

“I was happy to know that the literacy project is happening in this location. This was the fulfillment of a dream for all of us, who had been waiting for this wonderful moment for a long time and God used Mission Educate to confirm this dream. Through teaching literacy many ladies and men are acquiring the skills of reading, writing, and maths and also in the knowledge of divine truth. Through this knowledge that they are gradually acquiring, they will benefit the town and also development the district. And in the skills training component, particularly in agriculture and poultry, will save many lives because the participants will apply the knowledge acquired in the appropriate areas for self-support.” - Alberto, head of the town of Nensa in the district of Marromeu.

“I am very happy with the start of the 2022 academic year because I am increasing my academic level; learning some more skills for selfsupport and also learning from God for spiritual growth. I am so happy to receive the teaching material, and to take notes, thus improving my writing. From the day I signed up for the Project until today, my life is gradually changing in all areas such as writing, knowing the alphabet, doing calculations and in-depth knowledge of the word of God.” - Olivia, resident in the district of Homoine.

• Pray for the students and their families that they will learn to read and love God’s word.

• That opportunities will come for graduates to continue education or training or gain employment.

• Pray for a positive relationship with churches and governments.