Words Change Worlds: Asante Africa’s Literacy Programs on International Day of Literacy
Every September 8th, the world comes together to celebrate the International Day of Literacy, an initiative spearheaded by UNESCO to emphasize the importance of literacy as a human right and a foundation for lifelong learning. This year’s theme, ‘Promoting Multilingual Education: Literacy for Mutual Understanding and Peace,’ emphasizes the importance of language in facilitating communication and fostering connections among diverse communities. At Asante Africa Foundation, we are deeply committed to this mission, championing literacy programs that are not only changing lives but also transforming entire communities in East Africa.
The history of International Literacy Day dates back to 1967, when it was first proclaimed by UNESCO to promote literacy as an essential aspect of lifelong learning. Since then, immense progress has been made to further literacy around the globe. However, according to UNESCO, there are still 773 million adults and young people lacking basic literacy skills, two-thirds of whom are women.[1] This statistic highlights the continued need for comprehensive literacy programs, especially in regions where access to education is limited. Literacy is more than just the ability to read and write; it is a powerful tool that empowers individuals to break the multi-generational cycle of poverty, improve their personal health and economic well-being, and participate more fully in society.
Addressing Literacy Challenges in East Africa
The International Day of Literacy also serves to raise awareness about the challenges of illiteracy, particularly in regions like East Africa, where literacy rates vary significantly. For example, Kenya has an adult literacy rate of approximately 82%,[2] while Tanzania and Uganda have rates around 77% and 76%, respectively.[3] While these numbers have and continue to improve, there is still a long way to go, particularly in rural areas where access to adequate educational facilities and resources remains limited. As of 2023, the urban literacy rate in East Africa stands at 88%, but the rural literacy rate in East Africa lags behind at around 70%.[4]
To bridge this gap, Asante Africa Foundation partners with rural schools and communities in our partner countries of Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. These efforts align with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a set of 17 objectives established in 2015 to foster “peace and prosperity for people and the planet.”[5] Specifically, our work supports SDGs #4 (education access), #5 (female well-being), and #8 (youth development), addressing key areas of need and striving to reduce resource and educational disparities.
“Bridge the Gap” Initiative
At Asante Africa Foundation, we understand that education is the key to unlocking potential and creating lasting change. Literacy is potential – literacy is confidence. It allows learning and growth, teaching and training. Our literacy programs are designed to address the specific needs of the youth and communities we serve, providing children and adults with the skills they need to succeed.
One of our key programs, the “Bridge the Gap” initiative in Tanzania, was formulated to address the significant language barrier that students face when transitioning from primary school, where instruction is in Swahili, to secondary school, where instruction is in English. For rural students with limited exposure to English, this language jump is a major reason for dropouts and unsuccessful transitions to secondary education.
To tackle this issue, we have developed a program that helps to “bridge the gap” by providing students with the necessary language skills and support to thrive in their new learning environment. This is done via two complementary approaches. First, young Tanzanian students are put in an 11-week intensive course to ensure their mathematical abilities and English literacy skills are at a level that will enable them to thrive in secondary school. Second, Asante Africa Foundation commits to providing students with resources needed to ensure a positive learning environment – providing students with tablets and computers preloaded with educational games and curriculum to make learning fun, while empowering teachers with technology to access new and relevant methods and teaching materials. On top of this, the initiative focuses on improving the quality of teaching programs to ensure long-term sustainable change by building teacher capacity.
Whereas students entered the first iteration of the program in 2021 feeling scared and anxious, with students anxious about being bullied for poor English and female students worried that failing secondary school would result in early arranged marriages, students left Asante Africa’s program with personal confidence and high academic scores.
Phase 1 of the project followed the first cohort of students through the program in 2021, while Phase 2 spanned 2022 and 2023 and 2 cohorts of students. Phase 2 used lessons learned from Phase 1 to update the curriculum and centered on Lushoto, Tanga, as the community had the lowest primary to secondary transition levels in the entire country. In total, “Bridge the Gap” has reached over 300 students, of whom 97% successfully transitioned to secondary school upon completing the project.[6]
Asante Africa Foundation’s mission does not end here. With more cohorts of students set to partake in the initiative, “Bridge the Gap’s” upcoming Phase 3 includes an evidence-based advocacy and systems integration focus that will partner with local and national education policymakers to build an acceptable and scalable efficient model and reach even more students in Tanzania.
Asante Africa’s Commitment to Literacy
As we celebrate the International Day of Literacy, it is important to reflect on the progress that has been made over the past half-century and the challenges that remain, especially in rural areas that often receive less development support than urban spaces. Through programs like “Bridge the Gap Initiative,” Asante Africa Foundation has reached thousands of East African youths – including 24,000+ direct participants in 2023 alone – providing them with resources, training, and additional support systems they can utilize to improve their lives and communities. Their success stories are our success stories – and a testament to the transformative power of literacy.
Looking to 2025 and the future, Asante Africa Foundation remains dedicated to expanding our literacy programs and reaching even more youth in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. By working together with educators, communities, and our amazing network of supporters, we can continue to make a difference and support an East Africa where literacy is accessible to everyone.
On this International Day of Literacy, let us celebrate the power that words have to change worlds! Sign up for our newsletter to stay informed on our latest youth-empowering activities!
WRITTEN BY: Scott Benigno