Adult literacy programme empowers Lira locals with business skills
LIRA CITY, January 31, 2025 – The Great Salvation Ministry, a local church in Lira City is empowering the elderly, youth, and people with disabilities [PWDs] in Kakoge C, Kakoge Ward, Lira City West Division by providing them with business skills through its Functional Adult Literacy [FAL] programme.
The beneficiaries of the programme are being trained in a variety of skills, including poultry keeping, vegetable growing, savings, liquid soap making, and shea butter production. They are also receiving training in home management, Bible studies, and domestic violence prevention.
Rita Akoli, 50, a resident of Anai Ward in Lira City West Division, shared that the training she received under the FAL programme has enabled her to start a business. She explained that she now saves a portion of the money she earns from the small businesses she runs with other family members, thanks to the lessons on saving.
“I have been encouraged to work with my children so that our household can prosper. We lay bricks, farm together, and sell our products such as liquid soap and vegetables. Through this training, I have learned how to run a business and how to save money every Friday,” said Akoli.
Agnes Atim, 51, a resident of Kakoge C Ward in Lira City West Division and a former FAL beneficiary, said the training has greatly improved her household’s livelihood. “I have a business from which I get money to cater for my family’s basic needs such as food and school fees,” Atim added.
Meanwhile, Celina Ekul, 71, who only completed Primary Three, stated that she plans to start a business after completing the vegetable growing training. “It is interesting to be in the FAL class. I believe that when I finish the required steps, I will be able to start a small business, such as selling tomatoes and vegetables,” Ekul said.
Charles Oola, an instructor for the FAL programme, acknowledged that home responsibilities have hindered some potential beneficiaries from attending the training. “Family heads have many responsibilities, but we have seen a large number of people attending the training,” he said.
Lira City previously had 12 functional adult literacy classes, but they all collapsed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and a lack of personnel. Tom Richard Okello, the Lira City Community Development Officer (CDO), when asked about this issue, said they are doing their best to ensure that the classes resume.
Okello recognised the importance of FAL classes, noting that they help adults learn to read and write, while also equipping them with basic knowledge and skills to manage life’s challenges. “These practical classes not only help learners acquire literacy skills, but they also support them in business planning and management,” Okello explained.
According to the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning, the Functional Adult Literacy programme provides learners with essential life skills for personal and community development, building the capacity of the community for a sustainable future.
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