By KT Reporter
A total of 224 adult learners have graduated under the Functional Adult Literacy (FAL) programme in the Karamoja sub-region, implemented by Compassion International Uganda in Amudat, Napak, Nakapiripirit, and Abim districts.
The graduation ceremony, held Friday at Amudat district playgrounds under the theme “Unlocking Adult Potential through Functional Adult Literacy in Karamoja”, marked a milestone in efforts to reduce illiteracy among adults through skills in reading, writing, and livelihood. Maria Teko, 25, a learner with disability, said the program has changed her life after being denied education in childhood due to traditional beliefs.
Lina Akello, another graduate from Abim, said the program taught them to read, write, and earn from skills like liquid soap and oil making. She appealed for startup capital to put her skills to use.
William Kapel, now in S.2 at Moroto Parents SS, said he joined the formal school system after learning the basics in the FAL programme at age 26.
Matayo Amei, LC1 of Kokulonyo village in Napak, said the program gave him leadership skills and inspired him to contest for LC3. “It opened my eyes to see the value of education,” he said. Esther Lolemunyang, Partnership Facilitator at Compassion International, said more adults are joining the programme despite mobilization challenges due to farming commitments.
She said the programme targets those who missed traditional schooling and integrates mindset change, GBV awareness, and livelihood support. Amudat District Education Officer, Emmanuel Linga, said illiteracy in the district has dropped from 97% to 92% and called for expansion of the programme.
Resident District Commissioner Denis Okori said FAL is shifting parents’ mindsets and increasing school enrollment—from 9,000 three years ago to 17,000 currently. “We are targeting parents who never went to school… their attitude affects future generations,” he noted. Compassion Uganda’s National Director, Emmanuel Ahimbisibwe, urged graduates to be agents of transformation, saying education is key to ending poverty and insecurity in the region. “It’s not just reading and writing—it’s about transforming households,” he said. Ahimbisibwe added that the number of Compassion projects in Karamoja will increase from 9 to 34 in the next financial year, depending on peace and cooperation in the region-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
