The air crackled with excitement in Lodwar, Kenya, as hundreds of women gathered for the graduation ceremony of the Literacy for Women in Africa programme.

This programme which aims at empowering women through education, had been running for seven months, and the fruits of their hard work were finally being celebrated. The programme also allows men to attend classes and learn.

The 628 learners were overjoyed as they had acquired skills that would be useful in their lives. Learners testified that they are better equipped to read the Bible in their language, assist their children in their studies, conduct business transactions better, read and write and help each other in the community.

Two graduation ceremonies were held at KAG Church in Lodwar and PAG Napetet for the old and new classes respectively. As the learners arrived, dressed in their finest attire, their faces beamed with pride and accomplishment. They had overcome numerous challenges; balancing family responsibilities, overcoming cultural barriers, facing the stigma associated with illiteracy and harsh weather conditions to reach this momentous occasion.

The ceremony began with a welcome from the literacy programme supervisor in Lodwar Bishop Peter Adir. Also present at the event was the Director of Adult Education in Turkana County Mr. Abdirhaman Emeto who spoke on the importance of education, not just for individual empowerment but for the development of the entire community. He lauded the graduates for their dedication and perseverance and expressed his confidence that they would use their newfound knowledge to make a positive impact on the world around them.

The learners that performed exceptionally well were encouraged to register with the Government through the Ministry of Adult Education in Turkana County to proceed with formal education which will enable them to learn English, Kiswahili, and Arithmetic. This progression would expose them to more opportunities in the Government and the private sector.

The highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of certificates to the graduates which was conducted by Mr. Joseph Irungu, the Literacy for Women in Africa Programme Coordinator. Each graduate received a certificate and a warm handshake from the program coordinator. The cheers and applause from the audience echoed through the hall, celebrating the graduates’ success and their journey toward a brighter future.

The ceremony was not just about celebrating individual achievements; it was also about celebrating the power of education to transform communities. As the graduates walked across the stage to receive their certificates, they carried with them the hope of a brighter future for themselves, their families, and their communities.

The ceremony concluded with music presentations and a delicious meal providing an opportunity for the graduates, their families, and the programme organizers to celebrate together. The successful graduation of these learners marked the beginning of a new chapter, not just for themselves, but for their families and communities as well.

The Literacy for Women in Africa programme is making a real difference in Turkana County by providing them with the tools they need to read and write, participate more fully in society, and build a better future for themselves and their families.

We thank our partners for making it possible for learners to acquire knowledge.