Action & Outreach Worldwide

The Literacy & Development Programme (MULDP)

In the approach to 2000, MU asked members around the world what new initiative they would like to see launched in the third millennium.

The unanimous request was for help with literacy and numeracy in preference to any other support. "Help us with literacy" they said, "and then we can deal with the other things ourselves".

In March 2000, following extensive research of existing programmes and discussions with experienced Mothers' Union trainers, the first literacy trainers went to Uganda for training and were then sent out to work in pairs in 8 dioceses in Burundi, Malawi and Sudan.

These countries were carefully chosen to give the experience needed to try out the Mothers' Union Literacy and Development Programme as a pilot. Gradually literacy circles were established, facilitators trained and learners began the exciting journey into literacy and numeracy.

The MULDP is a carefully researched, facilitated participatory programme which encourages discussion; identification of problems and challenges; sharing of local knowledge and expertise; planning of local action and resolution of conflicts. This approach is valuable in the community, the family and between individuals.

Initially there were many goals, one of the most important was that most of the learners should be women. Also that most of the facilitators should be women and that the circles should be open to anyone regardless of their ethnic origin or faith.

The pilot programmes were evaluated and MULDP declared a huge success.

Comic Relief subsequently agreed to fund two thirds of the cost of the ongoing programme, with MU finding the balance of the money. It's a huge amount to find, but it costs just £20 to make one person literate and numerate, so every penny counts!

For further information about any of these projects, contact the MU Office

The Overseas Fund The Relief Fund Action & Outreach Worldwide