WESTERN PROVINCE

KARONGI — Close to 140 adult literacy tutors on Monday received certificates after completing two-week training. The training was organised by the Adventist Relief Agency (ADRA) through its Functional Adult Literacy Project.

The 137 tutors are expected to teach in adult literacy schools in Ruganda sector, Karongi district. The tutors were taught how to handle adult classes, teaching methodology and syllabus content for adult learners.

The trainees also learned about ways of income generation by using modern farming methods. During the training, they were also briefed on how to transform theoretical knowledge into practical to improve crop production.

"The project uses functional approach in that it doesn’t only teach reading, writing, mathematics but also integrates other values like health and agriculture,” said Beatrice Batamuriza one of the project instructors.

The project overall goal is to enhance capacity of local residents to alleviate poverty through adult education. At least 95 of the tutors are meant to start their work within the next two weeks.

Each person will have a class of 50 students. And the project targets to train 4000 adult learners including 60% females within a period of two years. According to organisers, 10 senior trainers who will act as supervisors are yet to begin training.

"This is in a bid to fight ignorance which has been the root cause of poverty,” said Esdras Nzeyimana, the area chief project co-coordinator.

Awarding the certificates, ADRA officials affirmed their commitment to offer assistance to the tutors whenever they are approached.

"You should let us know your problems and target goals. Even though we can’t get immediate assistance at all times, we will be helping wherever we can,” said Geoffrey Ngiruwonsanga, the ADRA head coordinator in the district.

The lessons would be conducted in church building, according to sources. Apparently, authorities chose Ruganda because of its poverty levels. And it has been chosen as a model sector for pilot projects.

"We currently have a good road, security, silk worms yet we were the poorest in Karongi,” said Theresa Nyirangirimana, the sector executive secretary. She commended ADRA for coming on board to develop the area through education.

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