Women's Literacy for Solidarity and Social Change, Angola

Two women literacy students enjoy a moment together.

Photo: CICA

Church World Service and
Angolan Council of Christian Churches (CICA)

This year, 1,350 women in seven provinces are gaining literacy and more, through a Church World Service-supported program of the Angolan Council of Christian Churches.

Angola's educational system, along with other social services and economic opportunities, was disrupted by a 30-year civil war. As many as 60 percent of adults in Angola are illiterate. For girls and women, the illiteracy rate is even higher--estimated at 70 percent.

In post-conflict Angola, women are being called upon to participate in the rebuilding of their country. The women's full participation in this reconstruction--while providing for their families--depends upon gaining education and training.

Facilitated by Church World Service and ProLiteracy Worldwide's Literacy for Social Change program, the women are not only becoming literate, but are learning about peacemaking, human rights, HIV/AIDS prevention and care, and family savings programs. Through group learning, the women are gaining development skills, new confidence in their abilities, and hew hope for the future.

Support for Church World Service, including the gift of assistance from ProLiteracy Worldwide, helps make this program possible.

Updated 4/4/2008

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