Malawian Woman Transforms Her Life through Adult Literacy, Sewing Classes

In 2020, Evelesta Foster, a woman in her mid-30s from Mwalala Village, Traditional Authority Kalumo in Ntchisi district, Malawi, couldn't read or write, writes Bridget Mwanoka.

Malawi-In 2020, Evelesta Foster, a woman in her mid-30s from Mwalala Village, Traditional Authority Kalumo in Ntchisi district, Malawi, couldn't read or write, writes Bridget Mwanoka.

However, she made a life-changing decision to join the Adult Literacy Education (ALE) initiative by DVV International, an organization that promotes innovative participatory methodologies of community learning for youth and adult learners.

"At first, I was shy about joining the group, and it wasn't an easy decision for me to make. I remember attending one of the community meetings where our chief and some committee members who were chosen to be at the forefront of this initiative told us the significance of reading and writing," she says.

Currently, the adult illiteracy rate in Malawi is estimated to be around 34.25% for a population that consists of more than 60% youth.

The government has been offering adult literacy education to communities since 1986.

Foster successfully completed her adult literacy classes last year and was awarded a certificate as recognition of her hard work.

Now, she has joined a second cohort of sewing classes, which she believes will completely change her life.

"This is my third month now, but this dress I'm wearing was made by me, and I even made a shirt for my husband too. I'm positive that when I finish these classes, I will be the best seamstress in this community," she proudly says.

DVV International is implementing the Community Learning Centres (CLCs) project in Ntchisi and Dowa Districts, where it recently handed over tailoring equipment to be used by graduates of adult literacy education in July 2022.

In Ntchisi district, the equipment is being used in two CLCs, Khuwi and Mpalo, while in Dowa district, it is being used at Muwononga and Kachimbwi CLCs.

Kamchepela S. Banda, the supervisor of Khuwi Community Learning Centre, is thrilled about the impact of the sewing classes on the communities, motivating them to continue learning and acquiring new knowledge after completing their adult literacy classes.

"Everyone who finished adult literacy classes wants to join the sewing classes now because they know how it will change their lives. I personally call this a university since after completing adult learning classes, students are selected to join this class. We are definitely making progress because this is our second cohort. The first cohort had 10 students, and this second cohort, which is still underway, has 20 students, and the tailoring equipment is not enough," he says.

DVV International Communication Officer for Southern Africa, Dyson Mthawanji, explains that the aim of the Community Learning Centres project in Ntchisi and Dowa Districts is to bring education programs for adults that are community responsive.

"Through adult education, participants acquire knowledge and skills in whatever areas they need, from agriculture to health and entrepreneurship, and many other fields while simultaneously improving the foundation skills of literacy and numeracy. We didn't want to stop there but equip them with what will help them once they return home, that's where the tailoring classes came in," Mthawanji says.

Ntchisi District Council Chairperson, Frackson Sefasi, commends the initiative, stating that since 10 sewing machines were handed over at Khuwi and Mpalo Community Learning Centres respectively, many have already started benefiting from the program.

The Community Learning Centres were established in partnership with the Ministry of Gender, Community Development, and Social Welfare through its National Centre for Literacy and Adult Education.

Samuel Ziba, Chief Community Development Officer in the ministry, emphasizes that the initiative by DVV International complements the government's efforts in human capital development by equipping Malawians with different marketable skills in line with the Malawi2063.

"An interesting part is that about 2500 people graduate from adult literacy Centres every year in Ntchisi district, their lives ended there, but with the coming in of this initiative,, communities will have access to income that they will use to afford basic commodities. Now we just have to work on men who are shying away from these developmental projects because Ntchisi district is lagging behind as Dowa has a number of men who are taking these classes," he says.

Lunguzi Phiri of Chauwa Village, Traditional Authority Nkukula in Dowa district, who is the supervisor of the Muwononga Community Learning Centre, says he interacts with men in the community, convincing them to partake in these classes.

"The first cohort, which began in August and finished in November last year, is now fending for their families since some bought their own sewing machines and are able to make clothes and sell them. This made a lot of men interested, which is why the second cohort has a number of men," he says.

In February 2020, the government approved the National Adult Literacy and Education Policy (NALEP) to guide the implementation of adult literacy services.

It contributes to the Malawi2063 and MIP1, which outline long-term aspirations for the country's developmental framework.