Reading the Word of God in your mother tongue… How awesome is that! Especially if you remember that the Mwinika language was unwritten until recently! Here one of the trained teachers is reading the story of Joseph as it is written in Genesis.
We had our fourth Literacy course certificate ceremony! Here are all the students as well as the four men that were trained as teachers (the white certificates) with their certificates after the ceremony. We had some speeches, the handover of the certificates with a feast of chicken and rice as the Grand finale!
Between the receiving their certificates and the speeches, each student had the opportunity to read a few verses to complete Genesis 1. They proudly presented their new skill to their family and friends who were invited to the ceremony as well as the community leaders present.
It was not easy to learn to read and write your mother tongue as an adult. Even more so when you are 74 and have a full time job! On the photo, is uncle John. He is 74 years old (according to his documents) and after receive reading glasses with our help, he did well!
Moes lost his wife of 16 years tragically to sickness during the time of the course. After being absent for a while because of her being sick, he wrote us a letter – in eMwinika! – to inform us that his wife died and asked to come back to complete the course. Immediately the class made a collection and send two students and a teacher in training to visit him. He was at a nearby island at that time (where his wife’s family was) and took hours to get there without any road to speak of. They made it back in time for the next day’s teaching! It was heart warming to see them gather around this guy – an unusual gesture in this culture. I can’t help but feel that the believers within this group made a difference!
As this course was for people who was already literate in the national language, only one woman was able to qualify. What a happy moment when Miriam received her certificate! In 2013 we hope to have another “totally-illiterate” course that would include most of the women in our community.
After each student and teacher received their certificates, the community leaders spontaneously grabbed their hands to congratulate them!
There were many smiles and hand clapping! For many, this is the first certificate they have ever received!
Last, but not least, the four men who qualified as teachers received their certificates! Rasu has been helping me with teaching Literacy classes and preparing the materials for the last 3 years. He has taken time out to finish his schooling and God willing, will finish grade 12 next year. During a school break, he was able to do the teacher training this year and help with the teaching. He is an excellent and gifted teacher! His dream is to be qualified as a government teacher after he completes school.