These are the very sounds filling up the literacy night class rooms in Laos, where students are learning together through World Renew programs.
These literacy classes are specifically for pre-literate children, youth, and adults who have not had an opportunity to gain an education. The materials enable students to learn basic Lao literacy, numeracy and practical health knowledge relevant to daily life. The method is simple for both teachers and learners to use and understand. Community members can use the books to instruct classes, small groups, or individuals. World Renew partners developed and tested these materials from 2009-2012 groups in both the north and south of the Laos (in Phongsaly and Sekong Provinces.)
Many of the literacy students in these classes are from ethnic groups that have historically had little access to education. Several of them are women and girls.
The hours these students spend learning new basic language and math skills are powerful investments in their future. Participating in a literacy class offers students opportunities to learn about health, agriculture, and small business, It also increases the social status of women and youth, offers an opportunity for class participants to reflect on local problems and plan action, and contributes to the sustainability of change in communities.
The list of literacy benefits goes on and on!
