The Power of Literacy!

Happy International Literacy Day!

International Literacy Day is celebrated annually on the 8^th of September. Since 1967, the day has been celebrated to highlight the importance of literacy to individuals, communities, and societies.

This year, the day is globally celebrated under the theme “Promoting multilingual education: Literacy for mutual understanding and peace“. South Sudan is a multilingual country and one of the countries with the lowest literacy rates in the world with only 1/3 of the adult population literate (https://bit.ly/3TfMABz).

As we celebrate this day today, we share the inspiring story of Mary Mali, a beneficiary of the Girls’ Education South Sudan (GESS) Programme. Mali shares her joy of being able to read and write and how literacy has empowered her to make a difference in her community.

Having completed her high school with support from GESS through the GESS cash transfers, Mali says she is now a valuable member of her community because she can read and write. “It is important for people to be able to read and write. There are women of my age in the community who cannot read or write. These women have children and when they are given medicine to give to their children, it is difficult for them to understand the prescription measurements. I have helped some of them in my neighbourhood to explain for them some things because of my ability to read and write,” Mali adds.

Alongside supporting young women of her age in the community, which Mali values greatly, she also actively inspires young girls in her community to pursue literacy, demonstrating the transformative power of education. “I started my primary education here in Pibor Girls’ Primary School. I completed my secondary school here in Pibor Secondary School. There are girls I started school with, but they dropped out and when you compare us now, our lives are completely different. I am in a position to help myself because of the level of education I attained. Education is very important,” Mali concluded with a smile.

Literacy and eventually education, opens doors, empowers individuals, and transforms communities. Mali is an example of what literacy can do.

Girls’ Education South Sudan (GESS) is pleased to continue improving the reading culture amongst school children across South Sudan and improve the life chances of

children through education. During the celebration of the National Girls’ Education Day in July, GESS issued 250 copies of the Issue 2 GESS-produced ‘Teens Ta Guwa’ magazine (link to magazine) to students. This magazine is designed to improve the reading culture among schoolchildren, providing them with engaging and educational content that fosters a love for reading. The magazine is also used by members of book clubs in schools across the country.

As we celebrate this day, we recognise the power of literacy and its impact in the lives of people. Literacy can be a tool for mutual understanding and peace as highlighted in the theme for this year. GESS encourages all stakeholders to give opportunity for all willing persons to be able to learn how to read and write.

Categorised in: Cash Transfers, Human Interest Story, Uncategorised