‘Reading and writing...me?’

Illiterate mother discovers confidence and new hope in literacy class

Adult Literacy Classes are bringing hope into the lives of people in India like Susmita.

January 6, 2010

Susmita was 24 and already a mother, but she had never learned to read or write.

Because of this Susmita was determined that her own children would receive an education.

Every week she sent them off to school, wishing she could join them, yet knowing it was far too late.

But then a stranger arrived in Susmita’s village. She visited every single house, explaining she was a literacy teacher and that she could teach the women of the village to read and write in just one year.

Susmita was torn. It was embarrassing to attend classes at her age. She would be teased; mocked by her own children, not to mention the other adults in the village.

But the dream ... the attraction... to read and write! It was an exciting prospect - and it drove her forward. Susmita took a deep breath and enrolled in one of our Adult Literacy Classes!

Now she applied the same fierce determination to her own education that she had long applied to her children’s.

And when the year finished Susmita was thrilled - she could read and write! She’s so competent, she’s even teaching her children at home.

But literacy was only the beginning.

In the class, Susmita heard the Christian message. She was astonished by Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross for sinners and she accepted Christ as her Saviour.

Today she’s attending worship services regularly, preparing for baptism, and praying for her husband to come to know Jesus too.

Give the gift of literacy in India

Your gift of £18 will enroll a student in our 52-week Adult Literacy Class.

Mission India provides teacher training, a stipend for the teacher and class materials in a regional Indian language. The class materials include three Bible-based lesson booklets for each student, slates and chalk for students, a large chalkboard for teachers and a kerosene lantern as many classes are held during the early evening hours of darkness.

If you can make a donation, please call us on 01435 863036. You can dontae by credit/debit card, or request a giving form. (We will soon have a facility available to give online.)

Thank you for your help and support.