Older women in Nepal are learning how to read and write

In Nepal, older women are learning how to read and write for free. Sushila Gautam, 77, didn’t have the opportunity to go to school when she was young. Now, she finally has a chance to learn at the Ujyalo Community Learning Center. The center provides free education to women like Sushila who missed formal education. Now, Sushila can read posters, use a smartphone, and sign her name on documents.

The learning center opened three years ago. Bimala Maharjan Bhandari, who runs the center, said it was difficult to persuade women to join at first. She told them that being able to read phone messages, product labels, and sign documents helps their families. Because of Bhandari’s perseverance, the center has helped more than 200 women become literate. Now, they enjoy learning and supporting each other in their studies.

Women sit at desks, reading aloud from Nepali textbooks and writing sentences in notebooks. During breaks, they play soccer. Bhandari believes the center encourages friendship and personal growth. One of the learners is 88-year-old Thuli Thapa Magar. She feels proud of the fact that she is finally learning.

This material was based on an article by The Associated Press.
Photo Credits: The Associated Press