In Burundi, 30% of adult women are illiterate. This illiteracy is a huge obstacle to women's social and financial independence. To overcome this, Louvain Coopération organises literacy courses for adults in the south of the country.

Literacy is an essential lever for women's empowerment, sustainable development and social justice. It transforms their daily lives by offering them economic independence, better resource management and protection against abuse.

Marcelline Nijimbere is a literacy teacher in Makamba province. She explains: ‘I am extremely proud of my role as a literacy teacher. Seeing the joy of the learners and hearing their testimonials about the benefits of literacy classes is a source of immense satisfaction for me.’

When women can read and write, they have access to credit and can start businesses. Literacy classes teach them skills such as bookkeeping and measurement. They improve their social status and self-esteem, while opening up opportunities for community leadership. Literacy also has a positive impact on their children's education and future, helping to break the cycle of poverty.

Other examples of our impact in Burundi:

• 3,714 people attended one or more health prevention workshops 
• 254 people, including 212 women, became literate 
• 1,748 farmers supported 
• 802 entrepreneurs supported in developing their businesses