Literacy

It is hard to access information about your rights, let alone assert your rights if you do not have access to, or confidence in, the dominant means of communication, which in respect of rights tends to be literacy. In some contexts there is a clear equation between illiteracy and illegalisation - and between literacy and legalisation.

There is also a clear and proven inter-dependency between adult and child literacy - and yet almost no serious investment is made into adult literacy, which is squeezed out of government budgets and low down the agenda of major donors.

Reflect as a literacy tool
Among other things, Reflect is an effective approach to teaching adult literacy. Participants develop different maps, matrices, calendars and diagrams to analyse their local environment, and discuss issues arising from these. The dominant focus is on using the visual materials that are generated to teach people to read and write.

A fusion of literacy and empowerment
However, Reflect is not merely an approach to literacy: while members of a Reflect circle learn the basics of literacy, the focus is often on raising their awareness and enabling them to access information or demand services more effectively.

Many circles work particularly with women, focussing on challenging gender roles and relations. Much emphasis is placed on strengthening people's dignity and self-confidence as well as having an impact on improving resource management, health practices, children's education, local community organisation and civic life.

photo : ©ActionAid