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 Literacy and Family Ministry Project

AEBR addresses issues of illiteracy, poverty, and gender imbalance. Through literacy classes, coordinator training, and the support of self-help groups and parenting clubs, both men and women are empowered to transform families and communities. Support this project with financial contributions and prayer.

Cause:

Location

Field Staff:

Local Partner:

Association Des Églises Baptiste au Rwanda (AEBR)

The Situation

Rwanda is one of the most densely populated countries in mainland Africa. Despite remarkable progress in gender equality, good governance and helping the poor, half of the Rwandan population is still affected by poverty. In rural areas of the country, many women deal with issues of gender imbalance, illiteracy and poverty and therefore struggle with self-reliance and the self-esteem to contribute to their family and community’s wellbeing. Those who rely solely on their husbands or traditional farming, find their families struggling to meet their daily needs. Men as well face poverty, illiteracy, and struggle to uphold healthy family structures. The illiteracy of men and women, poverty and imbalanced family structures are a detriment to (negatively impact) Rwandan families and communities. The Literacy and Family Ministry project changes the lives of families, local communities, and church communities by empowering both men and women through literacy and vocational skills and support.

AEBR addresses issues of illiteracy, poverty, and gender imbalance. Through literacy classes, coordinator training, and the support of self-help groups and parenting clubs, both men and women are empowered to transform families and communities. Support this project with financial contributions and prayer.

The Situation

Rwanda is one of the most densely populated countries in mainland Africa. Despite remarkable progress in gender equality, good governance and helping the poor, half of the Rwandan population is still affected by poverty. In rural areas of the country, many women deal with issues of gender imbalance, illiteracy and poverty and therefore struggle with self-reliance and the self-esteem to contribute to their family and community’s wellbeing. Those who rely solely on their husbands or traditional farming, find their families struggling to meet their daily needs. Men as well face poverty, illiteracy, and struggle to uphold healthy family structures. The illiteracy of men and women, poverty and imbalanced family structures are a detriment to (negatively impact) Rwandan families and communities. The Literacy and Family Ministry project changes the lives of families, local communities, and church communities by empowering both men and women through literacy and vocational skills and support.

How We Are Helping

With CBM’s support, AEBR empowers men and women in Rwanda through various means:

Self-help Groups

In the self-help groups, there is mutual support towards earning steady incomes and outside support of resources and guidance.

Family Ministry and Coordinator Training

Couples participate in parenting groups where they receive guidance on healthy family structures and gender balance. Family ministry coordinators and pastors involved are offered teaching material, support, training to share with the groups.

Literacy Classes

Men and women who complete the literacy training program gain proficiency in reading and writing. Further, participants gain skills in numeracy.

The Impact of Our Work

SURWUMWE Matayo lives with his wife, seven children and his aging mother. As a pastor at Mutko local church in his home community, he was troubled by the number of single mothers, polygamous relationships, and family conflicts within and outside the church. With young children and not much training or support, he and his wife struggled to address these issues. After becoming connected with the Gender and Family ministry program, Matayo was provided with the much-needed support of training, motivation, and resources to promote family wellbeing and see positive change. Gaining understanding within his marriage, he can be an example of a good father and husband.

“I feel like a burden fell off and I’m free now. Not because I‘m at the level where I need to be, but because the light is coming into my life. I was a blind woman but now I can see as I’m able to read and write which was not the case before.”

Dorcas

“The program has benefited the overall community because groups have discovered and used the talents they already have, and are encouraging others to do the same. From my observations and the testimonies of the group members, the people are very happy with this program. There is hope that this program will contribute a lot to the life change of people.”