The literacy rate for female youth (15-24) is about 56%. The literacy rate for male youth is about 74%. This rate may not seem too low, but drops dramatically among the older generation. In 2009 only 38% of women and 61% of men were considered literate. Part of the literacy struggle has been the many languages that are spoken in Senegal. Although French is the official language, most, if not all, Senegalese speak a native oral language that was not a written language until this last decade.
One of the ministries SIM missionaries are using to reach the Senegalese is teaching literacy. This involves teaching the Senegalese, mostly women, how to read and write in Wolof. Through these literacy classes relationships are developed, which opens the door to the message of Jesus Christ.
I hope I do not sound boring, but as I learn about the country we will be serving I want to share the information with you. I also know that by God’s providence, we already speak English and I would expect Him to have already been preparing us for how we will serve Him on the field. I have taught VBS in English and Spanish, K-5th grade, Bible Studies, bread-making, preserving food, and aerobics. I think teaching literacy would fit nicely in that list.
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| Mexico 1997, teaching VBS |
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