More than 3,2oo adults mostly women yesterday received certificates after completion of a nine-month literacy course in Nyaruguru District.

The training designed to empower women was sponsored by Care International.

According to Apolo Gabazira, the Care International representative in Rwanda, it is challenging to survive when illiterate.

"There are challenges that illiterate people go through, like being unable to read a sign post that says turn left, or turn right, but people tend to take these for granted,” he said

"Even more important, you go to a clinic and a doctor prescribes medication with instruction to take two tablets four times a day and one ends up taking four tables twice a day. But we hope this worthwhile course will pay off.”

Gabazira said some parents are unable to read a report to know how their child is performing in school, which might affect their child’s progress.

In addition, some people own phones but cannot effectively use them because of illiteracy.

Donata Mukanyandwi, 28, one of the beneficiaries expects her life to change.

"I got married but I could not do anything not even run a simple business because I could neither read nor write,” said the mother of one.

"Now after learning how to read and write as well as count, I am able to sell fruits such as avocados, bananas. I know I can manage to record my debtors, profits and avoid to make loses,” Mukanyandwi added.

The Executive Secretary of the Southern Province, Jeanne Izabiriza said illiteracy has impeded the fight against poverty and forces people to rely on hear say which can be misleading.

So far, 33,218 people have benefited from the literacy project over the last three years. The beneficiaries are from four districts in the Southern Province; Gisagara, Huye, Nyamagabe and Nyaruguru.

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