Today is International Literacy Day!

In Burkina Faso, the level as well as access to education is in a pitiful state. The rate of illiteracy among young people is at 48% and remains one of the highest in the world. Barely 38% of people over the age of 15 can read and write. Compulsory education supposedly exists, but no one controls it. For many, education is still a luxury and far behind work and domestic responsibilities on the list of priorities. These shameful statistics are further increased by the fact that in the north of the country, an area plagued by terrorist attacks, schools are closed and thousands of children and youths have once again not been able to attend school.

Girls are the most likely to be affected. Why? They are the ones who are most needed on the farm – they clean, watch over their younger siblings, fetch water, cook. This kind of help at home casts a shadow over their whole future life and makes it impossible for future generations of Burkinabe to break free from the vicious circle of poverty. What future is there for a girl, or a young woman, who can neither read nor write? Illiteracy undoubtedly leads to the women ater being abused in every way, humiliated and manipulated.

The Good Factory has been levelling the playing field for women in Burkina Faso for the past four years by training them not only in agriculture, but also combating illiteracy by teaching them to read and write three times a week for five hours a day as part of the tailoring workshops. During the classes, some of our girls have the chance to write letters for the first time in their lives. To be a seamstress, you have to take measurements, write them down, do calculations, and use the measuring tape. The trainees are very committed because they realise that the knowledge they are now acquiring is more valuable than gold, and will give them independence and the opportunity to determine their own future.

A course designed to combat illiteracy is fundamental. Providing access to education is the response to the basic needs of every human being. By supporting us in organising courses for girls and young women, you can be sure that your contribution is worth more than just the money you donate. Your commitment provides individuals with the opportunity for a happy, dignified life, which is so difficult to achieve in this part of the world.

Today is International Literacy Day. If you want to give one of our girls a chance for a better tomorrow, visit GoodWorks 24/7 and donate a day’s tailoring and literacy course worth 40 PLN. Act today!