The latest project funded by the Extending the Limits Trust finally commenced in January 2008, providing women in the Aceh Province with the rare opportunity to improve their literacy skills.
In Tanjung Harapan and Batek, Sigli, women between the ages of 25 and 60 were given materials and transport money to participate in small group sessions in which they were taught how to recognise the alphabet, numbers and other basic literacy skills.
Many of the women had only ever reached the equivalent of second grade and were overwhelmed by this rare chance to finally develop their reading and writing skills.
These women can now experience an extraordinary level of independence, all made possible by the support and contributions from the Extending the Limits Trust and local organisations.
“…I feel that my ability to read helps me a lot, especially if I visit a place where the name of the road is written on the billboard. Now I am able to know what the name of the road is and can tell the driver that he has brought me to the right place or not. Before, I could not recognise whether I visited the right address or not, so the driver could easily fool me…”
The literacy program has also continued the work of the Trust in helping individuals to maintain a sustainable means of living. One woman in particular is now able to improve her efficiency and capacity as a business woman, thanks to her new reading skills.
“I am a traditional cake maker. Before, if I wanted to try a new cake recipe, I could not read, so I had to ask for somebody’s help. My friend used to show me if flour was needed in the recipe. Then she would show me a package of sugar and so on. One by one, she showed me the ingredients in front of my eyes. Now, I am able to read and write and this makes my work in trying recipes easier…”
An unexpected benefit from this project has been the difference made for one particular woman’s relationship with her husband.
“After being able to read, now I know whether my husband wrote love letter to his girlfriend. He can’t fool me; I can recognise whether he has a girlfriend or not… We are already over 40 years old and, you know, some men are starting to be ‘flirty’ after 40 years old…
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