Globally, 775 million adults (over the age of 15) are unable to read or write. The adult literacy rate in Uganda is 73.2%. This places them in an extremely vulnerable position, in which something as simple as opening a bank account or signing for a loan presents barriers because of the inability to read or sign one’s own name. It also prevents people from being able to keep track of personal finances.

September 8th was International Literacy Day, and while statistics show much room for improvement, this day also serves as a time to celebrate the victories that have been won in the area of adult literacy. For us, the victory came as we watched 805 members of Invisible Children’s Functional Adult Literacy program graduate from the first phase. Even better, the participants were not satisfied to stop at learning the basics in Luo, they are eager to start learning English as well!

A member of VSLA from Atanga demonstrates her ability to write her name for herself

Sometimes joy can only be expressed through action – in this case , celebratory dancing at the FAL graduation ceremony

FAL students studying during one of their classes

Statistics from: UNESCO