British High Commission To Provide Literacy Lessons For Gambian Women

Friday, 14 December 2012 00:09

(JollofNews) – The British High Commission in the Gambia has joined forces with Conscience International to provide adult literacy lessons with a particular focus on marginalised women.  

It is estimated that only 33 per cent of women in the Gambia are literate.  Participants taking part in the lessons will be between 20 and 65 years of age with the majority having never been to school.  

Lessons are due to start in January 2013 and will focus on Bunklin and Madiana in West Coast Region and Latrikunda German in Kanifing Municipal Council.

It is hoped the lessons will increase the women’s life skills, improve their ability to access opportunities and enable them to participate in community decision makingDavid Morley, British High Commission to the Gambia processes.  

Gambia David Morley, British High Commissioner to the Gambia said: “I am delighted that the British High Commission is associated with this worthwhile and valuable initiative.  

Conscience International do great work in the Gambia and I’m pleased we are able to help them promote gender equality by helping in a small way to finance their literacy and numeracy workshops.”

Amy Sheppey, international programmes officer for Conscience International said: “We are deeply grateful for the support of the British High Commission.

As a small NGO, our partnerships are vital for strengthening the organisation and achieving our development goals. Illiteracy rates in West Africa are some of the highest in the world, with women in particular missing out on vital education. We look forward to running, in partnership, a successful programme for 2013.”