• There are over 774 million people in the world today that lack basic literacy skills; almost two-thirds of these are women. (UNESCO, 2008)
• Teaching mothers to read can lead to a decrease in infant mortality of up to 50%. (UNICEF, 2005)
• The income in countries with a literacy rate less than 55% averages about $600 per year. (SIL International, 2001)
• 98 per cent of all people lacking basic literacy skills live in the developing world. (UNESCO, 2008)

Right now in western Africa, a woman is learning how to read and perform basic math. She will read and re-read the Bible stories from her literacy class and will teach them to her children. She will use these skills to learn how to prevent malaria in her family, and to be better able to take control of her household finances, making sure that there is enough money for her family to survive the upcoming dry season. She will read about several new crops that are available, which return higher yields than her family’s current ones. She will make sure that her children are equipped with an education, so they may continue her advances even further.

At Samaritan’s Purse, we strive to ensure women have the opportunity to learn basic literacy skills. We understand that investing in education for mothers and girls is one of the most effective ways to transform a community. We have seen the general health of entire villages improve as women begin to read about proper nutrition and diet. We have looked into women’s eyes and seen the fire of hope burning because they now know how to read and to apply that skill in many ways.

By supporting Samaritan’s Purse Women’s Projects, you are helping to open up new worlds for these women.