Training Programs
Empowerment through Training
Help a Widow Learn to Read — and Rewrite Her Story
In the Dominican Republic, many widows in our ministry never had the chance to learn to read or write. Without this basic skill, daily life can be an uphill battle — from reading a Bible verse to helping a grandchild with homework or even signing their own name. Our Widow’s Literacy Program is changing that story!
Widows Literacy Program
Program Goal
Our goal is to empower every widow in our program with the ability to read and write—unlocking opportunities for lifelong learning, personal growth, and greater independence.
Program Duration and Participants
Each cohort consists of 15 widows and runs for six months, providing consistent, small-group instruction designed to build confidence and measurable progress. They meet 3 times a week for 1-2 hours for each class.
Teaching Approach
Our instructors use simple, engaging lessons that meet each woman where she is. Classes focus on both reading and math skills, emphasizing practical application in everyday life.
Participants will:
- Learn the vowels and consonants, their sounds, and how to combine them.
- Practice reading and writing simple words and short stories.
- Develop basic math skills such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
- Apply new skills through homework, practice, and real-life examples.
- Build confidence through class reviews and encouragement from peers.
Class Materials
Each student receives the necessary tools for learning:
- Books and notebooks
- Pencils, pens, and crayons
- Small whiteboards
- Additional learning aids as needed
Program Outline
The speed at which each widow learns varies drastically depending on prior education and age. This is the ideal program outline.
- Months 1-2: Learn and master vowels and consonants, begin combining them.
- Months 3-4: Read and write simple words, including their own names.
- Months 5-6: Read and write short stories. Improve fluency and comprehension in reading and writing.
Teachers
Our dedicated teaching team brings passion, patience, and faith to every lesson.
Evaluation and Encouragement
Each month, we assess progress and provide extra support to those who need it. We will also celebrate success by inviting one of the top learners to share her story and inspire her classmates.
Donate to the Summer & Fall 2026 Literacy Cohort
Literacy Cohort #1 - Winter & Spring 2026
The first literacy cohort started with 16 widows. Unfortunately, we had two widows pass away over the past few months and were not able to complete the program.
We learned a lot as a ministry during this first cohort. One of the biggest takeaways is when you have a widow who has gone her entire life without knowing how to read or write, it can be a challenge for them. Every widow learned at a different pace so the teaching required a lot of one-on-one attention. Thankfully we have 4 teachers meaning our teacher to widow ratio was 4:1 which worked very well.
Over the 6 month program, our widows successfully learned vowels and consonants, reading and writing simple words, writing their name, reading basic short stories, and improving fluency/comprehension.
We are making adjustments to the program to include a basic, intermediary, and advanced cohorts to the widows can continue learning beyond the basics.
Donate to a Future Literacy Cohort
Help us prepare for our 2027 Literacy Program but funding a future cohort!
Winter & Spring 2027 Cohort
Summer & Fall 2027 Cohort
Everyone plays a role
Be a part of the ripple effect of God’s love
Whether you can support the care of an individual widow, provide for specific needs, or be a founding supporter who provides operational resources, your generosity will go directly to the mission of the organization.