September 8th, International Literacy Day

            

“Literacy is a human right, a tool of personal empowerment and a means for social and human development. Educational opportunities depend on literacy”.

As I reflect upon these words from UNESCO Drector General Irina Bokova today, International Literacy Day, I do so with a sense of accomplishment for all that ABCD is doing, with their many supporters, to advance literacy efforts in Tanzania.

Earlier this year we started a library at Makomu P.S. and this very week more supporters have partnered together to expand this library and to begin funding a second library.

Our efforts for expanding literacy skills also include computer literacy. The computer center we are funding at Ngaruma Vocational Trainig Center is well on its way to offering the first class in computer literacy to its students and the community of Marangu. The students and teachers have finished building the tables and chairs for the classroom. The walls have been painted and other infrastructure has been completed. The electrical power has been upgraded, security grills have been added to the doors and windows, and a new entrance path has been finished.

The installation of 10 computers should be happening in the next few weeks. I can hardly wait to see the first photos of the first day of class.