BAHN, Nimba – More than 100 adults graduated after months in an adult literacy program sponsored by the Finnish Refugee Council.

Several women, comprising of Ivorian refugees and Bahn community members, spent months learning to read and write.

The graduation of the women from the Bahn Adult Literacy Program was celebrated in line with the International Literacy Day, a day that was instituted by UNESCO in 1965 to highlight the importance of literacy to society at large.

Roger Domah, principal of the Ganta United Methodist School, served as the keynote speaker during the program, which brought together local authorities of the county, community members, and the country director of the Finnish Refugee Council.

Domah recounted the many difficulties adults face in trying to become literate. He said it was important for the government to invest in adult literacy programs in the country, in order to promote development.

Markku Vesikko, the Finnish Refugee Council’s country director, lavished praises on graduates for taking advantage of the program, which he said was not new to Liberia.

“The Adult Literacy Program has been in Liberia for 17 years and in all parts of Liberia, and we will continue,” he said.

Vesikko said the Finnish Refugee Council was “not only concerned with the literacy program, but we also do vocational training for adults in some areas.”

The Finnish Refugee Council has contributed to the Adult Literacy Program by providing training and materials to about 600 communities in the country.

The Finnish Refugee Council’s country director, Markku Vesikko, during a parade marking the graduation of over 100 persons from the Bahn Adult Literacy Program. Photo: Raily Guanbeh/Voice of Gompa

Featured photo by Raily Guanbeh/Voice of Gompa