An update on YWCA Literacy Programs

The Catholic Organisation for Relief and Development Aid (CORDAID) Womens Literacy & learning project phased out in 2006, so there was no funding support for literacy programs in 2007.

With the undying support and generous heart of Priscilla who resubmitted a similar project design to that of Tokstret, funding was again secured from CORDAID. The new project is called Health & Literacy project with a radio advocacy component.
CORDAID is giving us a trial run as a pilot program with the total amount of PNGK 326,210. Planning for this program is now in progress with the six YWCA sites.

2007 was a real challenge for he YWCA branch literacy programs when they had to source funds from other donor agencies including fundraising activities.

• About 3,779 learners had been enrolled in the 6 YWCA sites.
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• 109 sites or schools were established.
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• 133 volunteer literacy teachers/trainers trained.
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• 6 Provincial Literacy coordinators.
  
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• 5 Assistant literacy coordinators.
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  Literacy programmes implemented in the six provinces are mainly for adults and youths.
  
  Basic skills training programs such as; patch work/quilt, nutritional cooking classes, basic book keeping for women in informal business sectors, photo frames, sewing, mainstreaming HIV/AIDS, health & hygiene, basic English courses, teacher training skills acquired to teach in the formal education system e.g. Elementary and international lower primary level including awareness on Limited preferential voting system (LPV) were some of these important highlights captured by national YWCA & the 6 sites.
  
  Most local associations had established partnership with prominent and credible organisations like; Community justice Liaison Unit thru AUSAID, PNG chamber of Mines and Petroleum, Star Mountain company, OK Tedi mining limited, Provincial government, Soroptimist, NCDC, etc.
  
  
  Challenges
  Many more communities have expressed their interest for literacy programs; however, limited availability of fund is the main issue deterring us from assisting these communities.
  
  Capacity building initiatives for the rural communities and our stakeholders is of paramount importance to ensure sustainable strategies and measures are in place.