Over 200 million women in India are illiterate. Mission India is doing what they can to lower the number.
India (MNN) ― Global literacy experts believe 70 percent of the population in India is functionally illiterate, according to Grand Rapids, Michigan-based Mission India.
Because of this huge need, Mission India has developed year-long adult literacy classes all throughout India. These classes are starting up again this fall.
Dave Stravers with Mission India said this program is incredibly effective.
"The year-long adult literacy program actually is so effective because it brings people from zero to fifth grade reading level in just one year. And it does this with adults who have been living their whole lives without the ability to read and write or even add and subtract," Stravers said.
The high illiteracy rate in India has contributed to the poverty, as well as the mistreatment of women. Over 200 million women across the country are illiterate. Since women are viewed as second-class citizens in India, often times their parents feel it is a waste of time to educate them and view them as only good for working and having kids.
Also, as second-class citizens, women are often abused as they travel to work, and Stravers said the problem is so wide-spread the police cannot do much about it.
However, Stravers said when women get a chance to attend these classes, their confidence and self-esteem improve, and good things happen to their families and themselves.
A specific example of this is a teenage mother of two, who had been married when she was 13-years-old. Before attending classes, she worked alongside her husband in the fields, making less than a dollar a day.
"When a literacy class came to her village, she was encouraged to join. She was very shy and non-responsive at first," Stravers said. "But as she realized that she was able to read, her life was just transformed by this. She just blossomed. She ended up helping other students with their lessons [and] encouraging others to learn, to join the class ... and she came to know Jesus."
Soon her whole family was involved in the local church. Stravers said her life went from darkness and despair to "a shining example."
This woman heard of Christ and His love through the literature curriculum, which includes the message of Christ and the hope He brings.
"This seems to be the normal pattern," Stravers said as he shared this woman's story.
In fact, as Mission India holds their literacy classes in villages throughout India and shares Christ through the curriculum, communities are transformed.
"When we look at the communities in India that have the higher percentage of Christian adherence, we find that the plight of women is much, much improved," Stravers said.
While they do face opposition, especially from tribal leaders and uncertain husbands, communities and families soon realize how beneficial the program is.
Stravers said there have even been times when Hindu village leaders came to the defense of the Christians teaching the classes because they knew how important the classes where and what a positive influence they had.
As Mission India begins a new round of class, Stravers asked for prayer in several areas.
"The biggest prayer need is for encouragement for the learners who are learning to read and improve their lives. Many of them--about a third of them--come to know Christ. [Pray] that they will have the courage to stand up for their new-found faith," Stravers said.
Also, pray for opposition to remain low. Stravers said, "We need to pray that the doors will stay open [and] the Christian witness will stay strong."
To learn more about Mission India's literacy program and how you can get involved, visit their Web site.
