Literacy Program
Literacy program increases confidence
CARE and Weyerhaeuser's Forestry Partnership Project incorporates a literacy program that aims to increase the skills and confidence of women, thereby increasing their participation in the decision-making and management processes of community forestry and development.
Launched in November 1997, the literacy program recognizes women's traditional stake in the use of forest resources and their enormous potential in preserving and managing forests and watersheds in the Terai lowlands and Himalayan foothills of Nepal.
The women in the program were excluded from Nepal's education system, sometimes because of their remoteness from schools or the obstacle of school fees, but mostly because the culture has not valued the education of women.
Nepalese women rarely have a role in public life, community development, or community decision-making. But now, through the Weyerhaeuser-CARE partnership, women are learning reading, writing, and math skills as well as how to use and preserve the area's most important resource: forests and the watersheds they protect.
Nearly 15,000 women have graduated from the program and more than 1,000 people have been trained as facilitators.
Literacy Program Testimonials
Chandra Dangi
I am Chandrawati Dangi. I was born in August 1983. My earlier days were spent taking care of young brothers and sisters and helping at home while my contemporaries went to school. Although the school was close to my house, I could not go.
I used to cry until my eyes ran out of tears about the school. I saw people my age with books in hand and I saw their dances and plays. My tears also flowed when they read in a common voice with musical rhythm.
I expressed my desire to go to school many times. Even through my father was a primary school teacher, he didn't support me. My parents' response was, "You are a daughter. You have to get married soon, so you should learn domestic chores to become a good daughter-in-law rather than going to school."
In 1998, a non-formal education program was conducted by CARE in Rolpa, in partnership with the Women's Development Committee in our village. My parents wouldn't allow me to join. Despite their disagreement and interference, I enrolled anyway.
After completing classes in the program, I enrolled in regular school without any problems. At present, I am an active member of Chitikhola Community Forest Users Group. I want to be a teacher and a good community forest user. The literacy classes have helped me build confidence and I can now speak in the community without hesitation.
I now pledge to let no women be illiterate and face the ordeal of self-made cultural traditions of the society. I am optimistic that CARE will bring positive changes to the people in my village and district. I am grateful to CARE for empowering me.
Belpati Chaudhary
I am Belpati Chaudhary. I am 28 years old. I have a husband and three daughters. Prior to my experience with CARE, we lived solely on the earnings of my husband, who is a carpenter.
Growing up in a poor family, I wasn't able to go to school in spite of my strong desire to be there. This used to make me very sad. Despite the obstacles, I never gave up hope.
CARE launched basic literacy classes in our village in 1999. I enrolled immediately and started going to class. Initially, I felt very uneasy and found it difficult to handle a pencil, carry books, and attend classes, but both the facilitator and the literacy supervisor were encouraging and supportive. As a result, I completed the six-month basic and advanced literacy classes successfully.
In addition to the skills and knowledge I gained in reading and writing, I am now capable of keeping daily household accounts and expenses. I gradually became familiar with community forestry concepts and practices and the benefits to our people.
In one of my courses, I learned about installing sanitary cook stoves, as those in our community were not up to par. I am now deeply involved in a cook stove campaign and I work as a promoter in the community to improve maintenance and use and install better cook stoves.
My husband has continued his job as a carpenter. Now that I am earning money by installing cook stoves, our economic status has gradually improved.
I am also a member of Bhawani Community Forest Users Group. I attend meetings and assemblies regularly and participate in community forest management activities and community development activities.
Most important, I encourage other women in my community. I never imagined that I would gain the confidence and knowledge to guide other women. I advise and encourage illiterate women that education is the first step toward a better future. I thank CARE for the opportunity that has helped me to be who I am today.
