The Ugandan government, spearheaded by the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development (MGLSD) celebrated a major achievement on International Literacy Day (ILD). This year’s ILD theme was “Promoting Literacy for a World in Transition: Building the Foundation for Sustainable and Peaceful Societies.” On September 5^th 2023, the government and ALE stakeholders celebrated the graduation ceremony of 1,181 Integrated Community Learning for Wealth Creation (ICOLEW) learners. The excitement was infectious as the graduates received their certificates at the national event. Parallel ceremonies also took place in Nwoya and Namayingo districts. District and subcounty leaders from Nwoya and Namayingo (political and technical), representatives from the MGLSD, civil society partners, and the DVV International Regional Director for East and Horn of Africa, as well as the DVV Uganda Country Director took part in the event.

During the ceremony, more information about the ICOLEW programme was shared. In ICOLEW, participants undergo a diagnosis (including tasks, questions and observations) when they join the literacy classes to determine their starting level. This processes is repeated at the end of the two-year learning cycle before graduation to measure their progress as a result of participating in the programme. The literacy and numeracy capacities of learners are evaluated and graded and participants graduate with a certificate of competence. Apart from literacy and numeracy skills, participants also acquire knowledge and skills related to Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLAs), livelihoods and business skills, and community development.

Husband and wife Christopher Olur and Christine Adong from Nwoya District were among the beneficiaries of the ICOLEW programme taking part in the graduation ceremony in Kampala. “It is amazing to wear graduation gowns together at the same time after studying and graduating together with excellent writing, reading and numeracy skills!”, said Christopher. The couple were representing all of the 2023 ICOLEW graduates at the national commemoration of ILD. Two other districts (Iganga and Mpigi) will hold their their graduation ceremonies in October.

Adult learners throughout Uganda are improving their lives and livelihoods through participation in the ICOLEW programme. They can now serve as role models and advocates for adult learning and education in their communities.