ADULT LITERACY TRAINING PROGRAMS
Launched in July 2009, the Indego Africa Adult Literacy Program (IAALP) is the first adult literacy program in Rwanda to focus on the functional applications of reading and writing instruction in both English and Kinyarwanda (Rwanda’s native language). More than 250 of Indego Africa’s partner artisans participate in the program, which is supervised by Indego Africa’s experienced staff and taught day-to-day by several remarkable Generation Rwanda scholars from the Kigali Institute of Education.
Read more on Indego Africa's blog, Social Enterprising, and a newsletter announcing the program launch:
English Literacy
 Bi-weekly trainings of roughly two hours each range from a basic introduction to the English alphabet to include phonics, pronunciation, vocabulary and communication based on the pace of the women in each class. One day a week includes a grammar lesson. The other days include a review of the previous lesson along with new vocabulary. Every class seeks to integrate the women fully by asking two of them to help lead the lesson. 20 minutes at the end of each supplemental class are allocated for practice and question and answer.
English programs are focused on creating (a) increased access to English-speaking markets, (b) increased transparency in business decision-making, and (c) increased confidence and independence in engaging international markets.
English Literacy Implementation Plan (available online soon!)
English Literacy Table of Contents (available online soon!)
 Kinyarwanda Literacy
Indego Africa’s Kinyarwanda Literacy Program draws from the Rwandan National Center for Curriculum Development’s National Adult Literacy Program – as well as materials provided by The Rwanda Ministry of Education – to help Indego Africa’s artisan partners improve their Kinyarwanda reading and writing skills in the context of lessons on public health, parenting skills, human rights, and civil participation. The integration of Individualized Educational Profiles – supplied by the New York City Department of Education – allow participants to efficiently match their literacy goals with their immediate concerns, including how to fill out a job application, open a bank account, or even write a letter to a family member.
Literacy Training Philosophy
The IAALP is fully participatory, encouraging Indego Africa’s artisan partners to engage on every level. While classes are divided by ability level, the women are encouraged to support one another’s ability levels through group learning. Whenever possible the vocabulary taught is reviewed, reinforced and contextualized so the women can use their skills immediately.
|
