Literacy brings an incredible freedom to women in South Asia; helping them to take care of their families, not be cheated at the marketplace, and be able to read the Bible for themselves – Gospel for Asia
As an avid reader, I can’t imagine not being able to read. It is one of my favorite things to do. I loved reading since I was a child. It led to my other favorite thing–writing. Being able to read and write can really make a difference. You can read books, study the Bible, write letters, read recipes, directions, the labels on products in the grocery store and write checks. These are things that most of us can do but in South Asia, more than 30% of the women are unable to because of illiteracy.
Imagine that you are illiterate and have no opportunity for an education. Imagine the struggles you face as you try to make ends meet while your husband spends your earnings on alcohol. This was Dayita’s reality. She came from a village where few girls received an education. Being illiterate left her with very few options. She began sewing clothing to ease her family’s financial situation. Her husband Kaamil deposited her earnings in the bank but she was horrified when she found out that he was withdrawing her money so that he could buy alcohol. Desperate, Dayita found someone to help her to open her own bank account but managing it proved to be very difficult because she couldn’t read or write. She was unable to fill out the deposit and withdrawal forms. She had to rely on others to help her.
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble – Psalm 46:1
God saw that Dayita needed help and He intervened. He sent Ashna and Neha, believers from the local Women’s Fellowship to start a literacy class in Dayita’s area. Dayita began attending the sessions because she was determined to keep her hard-earned money safe. To her surprise, Kaamil supported her. Ashna taught two hour classes on reading and writing from a Bible based curriculum. Within two months, Dayita could read and write enough to fill out her bank forms. She is able to deposit and withdraw money on her own now. She is able to get around because she can read the names of buses and bus stations. Thanks to the ministry of Ashna and Neha, Dayita is learning about Jesus and starting to believe in Him.
Thanks be to God, who sees all and knows all and is every ready to help those who are in need, Dayita can enjoy the freedom that literacy brings. Knowing how to read and write, she doesn’t have to depend on others for help. She can go to the bank and do a transaction any time she wants. She can travel without worrying about getting lost. She can also enjoy the freedom that knowing Jesus brings.
If you are interested in helping other women like Dayita, find out how at this link. Help to free the women of South Asia from the yoke of illiteracy.
Source: Gospel for Asia
