Bible Society of Malawi celebrates adult learners completing the 2026 Literacy for Women in Africa programme

Mangochi, 19 October 2026 – The Bible Society of Malawi (BSM) has begun a series of graduation ceremonies in Mangochi to celebrate adult learners who have successfully completed their 2026 literacy classes under the Literacy for Women in Africa (LWA) Project.

The graduation ceremonies, which began on 19 October and run through 22 October 2026, are being held across communities in Mangochi where the literacy classes have been implemented.

The BSM delegation conducting the graduation ceremonies is being led by the Society’s Board Chairperson, Mr Fanuel Kumdana.

Celebrating Learning and Transformation

Speaking during graduation ceremonies at Mtamila and Mukundi Schools, Mr Kumdana highlighted the transformative role of literacy in the lives of women and their communities.

Through the programme, learners have acquired basic reading, writing and numeracy skills that can help them participate more confidently in everyday life, manage household and small-business activities, and continue learning.

Mr Kumdana commended the graduating learners for their commitment and determination to complete the programme. He also thanked the literacy teachers for their dedication and patience in supporting adult learners throughout their learning journey.

The graduations represent more than the completion of classes. They celebrate women who have taken an important step towards greater confidence and independence through literacy.

For BSM, literacy also supports its wider Scripture mission. The ability to read gives learners an opportunity to engage more directly with written information and, importantly, to read and understand Scripture for themselves.

Partnership Making an Impact

Mr Kumdana also expressed BSM’s appreciation to the Finnish Bible Society for mobilising resources that have supported the implementation of the literacy classes.

He encouraged the learners to continue building on the skills they had acquired and to pray for continued support so that the programme can reach more women and communities in the coming year.

The impact of literacy extends beyond the individual learner. When a woman gains the ability to read, write and use basic numeracy, those skills can strengthen her participation in family, church, community and economic life.

Giving Women a Second Opportunity to Learn

The Literacy for Women in Africa Project seeks to contribute towards reducing female illiteracy in Malawi, particularly through literacy education in Yao and Lomwe, enabling learners to develop foundational reading and numeracy skills while creating opportunities for lifelong learning.

For many of the women graduating in Mangochi, the ceremonies mark not simply the end of literacy classes but the beginning of a new chapter of confidence, learning and greater independence.

Through initiatives such as LWA, the Bible Society of Malawi continues to demonstrate that making Scripture accessible is also about equipping people with the ability to read and engage with God’s Word for themselves.