Before leaving for Zambia, I wanted to keep myself away from making strong expectations. Sure, there is planning, and packing, and evaluation that goes into a 3-month trip away from home, but I wanted to be surprised by the things I experienced while in Africa…and even by day three, there have been many surprises!
Of course, there are the big surprises in regards to lifestyle issues. The water heater functions on electricity, which is only on for a few hours at a time, so, evenings are filled with frigid showers and reading by lanterns. Internet connectivity is spotty at best. Public transport is a harrowing affair (as is traffic in general); and even near a large capitol, water availability is a legitimate concern. All of this said, none of these types of issues have been nearly as surprising as meeting the people and learning about their ways of life.
Let me first say that Zambia is a beautiful country and even in the midst of a city where power and water are not necessarily readily available, the people smile easily and have welcomed us with grace and generosity. God is moving amongst the many and varied peoples of Zambia and one can see Him in the faces of the people here and can see that He has been a part of life in Africa for a long time. Even in situations were people have forgotten and turned away, the quest for God, and finding meaning in Him, is very much alive in this place.
I want to talk now, though, of one such situation. The most surprisingly surprising stories I’ve heard and am learning about are those about literacy. A literate society is something that I’ve realized I’ve taken hugely for granted.
Take a moment and think about all the information you take in via reading on a daily basis. All of your updates on Twitter and Facebook, all of your e-mails and texts, bits of news here and there, blogs, magazines, the book you’re partway through, and the note left on your bathroom mirror. Now, take the time to realize that this is just the tip of the iceberg for a literate person. In our society, the smooth and efficient functioning of just about everything around us relies on literacy. We are constantly reading while driving or catching a bus, working, shopping, organizing our families’ schedules, exchanging information, planning each day, checking the weather, washing our clothes, buying our coffee, making lists (checking them twice), writing love notes, and the simple act of setting an alarm so we can be somewhere on time. Even people who “hate reading” (you know who you are), daily excel through their ability to do so.
Now, imagine trying to do all these things when a great many people around cannot read or write… please, pause for a moment and really think about it.
Furthermore, imagine that the majority of people around don’t speak your language… is situation getting worse?
Finally, imagine that you are the person who cannot read.
Communication is an essential part of our human existence, both with each other and with God. I definitely feel that my eyes have been opened to a problem in a new way. After hearing stories from people struggling with illiteracy in their families, the statistics take on a whole new meaning. In Zambia, literacy amongst males is 71%, but among females is at 51%. This means that half of all family caretakers in Zambia cannot read a prescription, research a product, or help their children with schoolwork.
The World for the World is heavily involved in starting literacy programs as an early step in Bible translation. Not only does increased literacy enable people to more thoroughly engage in personal study of the Bible, but such programs enable new levels of discipleship, stability, and education for hurting communities. Supporting literacy programs are another way you can be involved in bringing more truth and life to people who desperately need it.
Please feel free to send us and e-mail or comment below to find out ways you can be involved, to learn more about this issue, or simply join the conversation!