Literacy curriculum to empower rural communities

Katima adult literacy teacher, Ryan Koumba demonstrates how the rice from their farm is milled in their community, after attending the literacy school *(NBC News)*

The Anglican Church of PNG has showcased Katima Literacy School in Northern Province as its model school under a new nine-month literacy curriculum aimed at empowering rural communities.

Speaking during National Literacy Week, Anglican Church Partnership Program Coordinator, Michael Ambo said the church’s literacy program began in 2004.

“It was a long and challenging journey. We established a lot of schools, and we had 132 literacy schools,” Ambo said.

The 132 schools were set up not only in Popondetta but across five provinces where the Anglican Church operates, including Northern, Milne Bay, Western Highlands and Port Moresby.

In 2023, the Anglican Church developed the Melanesian Empowering Literacy for All curriculum. The program runs for nine months and covers basic literacy, post-literacy and practical skills.

“In this curriculum we have the basic and post literacy, and that is what we have been teaching,” he said.

Katima Literacy School has been selected as the model school for the curriculum.

Ambo said the school also runs an economic empowerment model in partnership with the Division of Agriculture and Livestock. The pilot project focuses on smart agriculture, climate change and SME development. As part of the initiative, rice and cocoa farms have been established at Katima.

The curriculum also addresses cross-cutting issues such as social accountability, gender equality and social inclusion, and child protection.

“Through this curriculum we have a success of learners who have gone into self-employment. Community empowerment, people are able to engage meaningfully in society,” he said.

He confirmed that two batches of learners have already graduated from Katima Literacy School and are now taking the lead in community activities.

Ambo thanked the National Department of Education, partners and stakeholders for their support. He called for increased funding and resources for community-based literacy programs.

“Literacy is the key to solving any issues, whether economic or social issues in PNG. We have to put more funds and resources to literacy, because this is a community-based initiative that will change people’s lives,” he said.

He also acknowledged the Australian Government through the PNGAus Partnership, the PNG Church Partnership Program, and the Building Community Engagement in PNG, or BCEP program, for providing funding to the Anglican Church of PNG to strengthen inclusive literacy work.