Adult Illiteracy Class Brings Hope to Women in Parapat Community

Women attend an adult literacy class in Sabah, Malaysia, determined to overcome the challenges of illiteracy. Supported by the Women’s Ministries Department of MAUM and SSD, the program provides essential tools like computers and printers to enhance their learning experience.

Sabah Mission

Adult Illiteracy Class Brings Hope to Women in Parapat Community

Faridah Lausin, MAUM Women's Ministries Director

An illiteracy eradication class, begun on April 30, 2023, in a small children’s Sabbath School room of Kuala Parapat SDA Church in Kudat, Sabah, continues to transform the lives of adult and elderly women in the church community. The initiative, led by Mrs. Jaibi Eva Ogou, the dedicated Women’s Ministries coordinator for Region 1 in the Adventist Church in Sabah (SAB), provides an opportunity for twelve women, many of whom have never attended school, to acquire basic reading and writing skills. The program is scheduled to continue until February 2025.

The class was born out of Mrs. Jaibi’s compassion for women who, due to illiteracy, are unable to access the many conveniences others enjoy daily. “In our Women’s Ministries reports, there was always a question about literacy efforts, but we had nothing to report. I saw this as both a pressing need and a personal motivation, especially within our church,” explained Mrs. Jaibi, who took on the challenge of teaching the class herself. She also saw the literacy class as an opportunity to provide a meaningful and healthy activity for elderly women.

Mrs. Jaibi’s “students,” women aged fifty-nine to seventy-three, faced various challenges. Among the twelve students, four had never attended school, two had briefly participated in adult classes, four had attended school up to grades 1–3 but dropped out due to distance, and two had some formal education but struggled, particularly with basic English words.

Their inability to read had long hindered their spiritual growth and limited their involvement in church activities. Tasks such as reading Bible verses or participating in church choirs were simply out of reach. “Although their enthusiasm was strong, these limitations impacted their spiritual development, as they had to rely solely on what they heard or on their children’s explanations,” shared Mrs. Jaibi.

Sabah, Malaysia, faces a significant challenge with literacy rates lower than the national average, reflecting educational disparities within the region. As of recent years, approximately 21% of the population is estimated to be illiterate, with contributing factors including poverty, limited access to education, and the high number of undocumented children.

Support and Resources

The class initially operated with minimal resources, relying on a donated whiteboard and borrowed heavy tables that had to be carried in and out of the classroom for each session. The church had been supporting the program by providing classroom space on weekdays and contributing funds for essential supplies, such as paper and whiteboard markers.

However, with contributions from the Women’s Ministries Department of the Adventist Churches in Malaysia (MAUM) and the Southern Asia Pacific (SSD), the program now has proper tables, a computer, and a printer. These tools have significantly improved the learning process. The lightweight tables are easy to store, while the computer allows lessons to be typed in large fonts for easier reading. The printer helps produce copies of materials efficiently, saving time for both the teachers and students.  The teachers initially had to handwrite the notes on the whiteboard while the students would copy them.

The classes run twice a week for two hours each. Monday focuses on the Malay language (BM), and Thursday is dedicated to English. Students are divided into two groups: Class 1 for beginners and Class 2 for advanced learners. In addition to literacy lessons, the program includes activities such as visiting sick elderly church members and light exercises like walking.

Challenges and Progress

Despite the motivation and enthusiasm of both the teachers and students, the program faces its share of challenges. One such challenge arises when Mrs. Jaibi's co-teacher, Mrs. Norsa Lisah, is unable to teach due to work commitments. Managing both beginner and advanced groups simultaneously can be difficult, as slower learners sometimes delay the progress of others.

Despite these challenges, the students' progress is undeniable. Many can now read and memorize Bible verses, participate comfortably in the church choir, send and read WhatsApp messages, recognize road signs and shop names, and understand food labels, including price tags. The program has also fostered spiritual growth among the students. Their increased confidence is evident during Sabbath School classes, where they now share their thoughts without hesitation. “Their confidence is much better than before,” noted Mrs. Jaibi.

Future Plans

The students have expressed a strong desire to continue, particularly with the English classes. They also encourage elderly friends, including non-adventists, to join the program.

Reflecting on the initiative, Mrs. Jaibi shared, “I feel happy to serve and impart a little knowledge with those in need. I hope to help more people facing similar challenges, especially in remote areas like Banggi Island or rural villages.”

With eight out of the twelve students now using Sabbath School lesson books, the impact of the program is clear. While some face vision issues due to age, the confidence and skills gained have empowered these women to overcome barriers and embrace lifelong learning.

The Women's Ministries Department has identified six challenge issues affecting women worldwide, which are central to their ministry's focus. These six critical challenges include illiteracy, poverty, health risks to women, heavy workloads, abuse and domestic violence, and the lack of training, mentoring, and leadership opportunities. As Christians striving to follow the example of Jesus, we believe it is essential to address the needs of all people, building trust and guiding them to find solutions. For this reason, Women's Ministries continues to dedicate much of its efforts to tackling these challenges.

Faridah Lausin, MAUM Women's Ministries Director

Newly Elected Leaders Poised to Guide SSD Mission for 2025–2030

Nominating Committee Chair Speaks with the Press

Evening Stories of Hope Inspire GC Session Attendees

Bradshaw Reminds World Church Leaders that Jesus Is Coming Soon

Pastor Petronio Genebago Elected as Associate Youth Director for the General Conference

General Conference Elects Associate Directors and GCAS Team to Support Global Church Ministries

Around the World in 17 Booths

Bradshaw Encourages Global Church Leaders to Avoid Sensationalism

Bradshaw Encourages Global Church Leaders to Avoid Sensationalism

Global Division Secretaries and Treasurers Elected to Support World Church

Adventist Church Elects Departmental Leaders for 2025–2030 Term

New Administrative Leaders Elected to Serve Southern Asia-Pacific Division

Could Asia Host a Future GC Session?

General Conference Secretariat Team Elected for 2025–2030

Division Presidents Elected to Lead World Church Regions for 2025–2030

Pastor Roger Caderma Re-elected as Southern Asia-Pacific Division President

Seven General Vice Presidents Elected during GC Session Business Meeting

Paul H. Douglas Elected as Treasurer of the Seventh-day Adventist World Church

Richard E. McEdward Elected as Secretary of the Seventh-day Adventist World Church

Former SSD President Elected as General Conference Vice President

A President for Such a Time as This: Erton Köhler Ushers a New Era of Unity and Mission

Newly Elected General Conference President Erton Köhler Speaks to Press

Total Member Involvement Reaffirmed during Friday Evening Program

Recap: The First Full Day of the 2025 GC Session

Erton Köhler Elected GC President: A New Era of Unity and Mission Begins