The goal of this project is to help 2,250 Sgaw Karen people in remote areas learn to read, write and count. Eradicating illiteracy will help the people to be able to claim their basic human rights, access Scripture for themselves and gain the knowledge of the Gospel.

In 2024, the goal is to reach 2,250 adults among the Sgaw Karen people in rural areas, through 150 classes.

January – March will see the education of 150 facilitators, printing textbooks and storybooks, and for the first time, two workshops on developing a Sgaw Karen fluency level with a literacy specialist. April – June will build awareness of the course in the target areas, as well as book distribution; July – September will be the learning period, and October – December will be the presentation of certificates of completion. The last three months will also see work done on the new Sgaw Karen fluency level, with typing, editing and field testing.

The literacy program, utilising Bible-based books, not only builds students’ literacy skills but also fosters spiritual growth in the knowledge of God. The Karen people are anticipated to genuinely experience God’s love through these materials.

This literacy program is enriching Karen literature with biblical teachings and also helps the Karen people understand the value of their language, growing the community’s appreciation for it, and giving perspective on how precious it is.

The wider community has expressed gratitude for the literacy program, recognising its benefits. Given that Christians are a minority, this program stands as a highly effective method for evangelism, having a significant impact in the community.