More than 1,000 adults in El Salvador were celebrated during a special graduation ceremony after completing a literacy program organized by the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) in the country.

Held at the Adventist Training School in San Opico, Libertad, the event saw 1,008 graduates—mostly older adults—beaming with pride as they received their certificates for mastering reading and writing skills.

The ceremony, which took place on February 2, 2025, was attended by government and church officials, along with the graduates’ families and local church leaders, who all gathered to honor the student’s achievement.

“This is a clear example that education has no age,” said Oscar Omar Bonilla of the Ministry of Education in El Salvador. “Today, we celebrate not only the completion of studies but also the perseverance and determination of each one of you to improve our lives.” Bonilla further acknowledged ADRA’s unique contribution to education in El Salvador, noting that no other institution provides literacy programs for older adults.

ADRA’s Long-Standing Commitment to Literacy

In partnership with the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology (MINEDUCTYT), ADRA El Salvador has been running literacy programs across 12 departments of the country for over 15 years. The initiative has grown with support from the Seventh-day Adventist Church, local municipalities, and community organizations, explained Alex Figueroa, ADRA El Salvador’s director.

“Our commitment to eliminating illiteracy in El Salvador remains strong,” said Figueroa. “We’re dedicated to giving both young and old the opportunity to discover their potential through education.”

This year, 119 groups, led by government-certified teachers and ADRA volunteer coordinators—many of whom are church members—have worked together to help these students achieve educational milestones. The program follows a year-long curriculum, which includes both reading and writing, with assessments carried out periodically to track progress.

Addressing Illiteracy

According to the 2024 census, 9.4% of El Salvador’s population remains illiterate—a decrease from 16% in 2007, but still a significant concern.

“While the literacy rate is improving, more work remains to be done,” said Figueroa, highlighting that over 400,000 people aged 10 and older are still unable to read or write.

The program has proven effective. 144 of this year’s graduates reached high school-level reading proficiency, and many others completed the equivalent of first through sixth-grade levels.

“We will continue to partner with the government and education ministries to extend this program to more communities and empower even more Salvadorans,” Figueroa added. This year’s goal is to reach an additional 1,000 individuals.

A New Beginning for Many

For many participants, the literacy program has opened new doors. “It’s never too late to learn,” said Elvira García, one of the graduates.

“I always saw others reading the Bible, and I wanted to be able to understand it for myself. Now, I can read and study it on my own, and it has given me a whole new perspective on life.”

Francisco Ramírez, a volunteer teacher from Texacuangos in the San Salvador department, expressed his deep passion for the program.

“Seeing the growth of my students has been the most rewarding experience of my life,” he said. “One of my students was a grandmother who, despite her age, attended classes with her young grandchildren. She started at the beginner level, and now, she’s reading at a 6th-grade level,” Ramírez shared with pride.

He described the experience as a true labor of love, patience, and dedication, which has empowered many older adults to progress in their educational journey.

“Teaching in these communities has been an honor,” Ramírez added.

Abel Pacheco, president of the Adventist Church in El Salvador, congratulated the graduates and emphasized the church’s continued support for transformative programs like this one. He called on government leaders, educators, and donors to keep investing in initiatives that foster learning and the holistic development of individuals throughout the country.

David Poloche, director of ADRA Inter-America, praised the ADRA El Salvador team for their unwavering commitment to improving lives. “This literacy program has left a lasting impact, not just through education but also through the values of excellence, integrity, and the teachings of Jesus,” Poloche said. “As you continue on your life journey, think about the legacy you can leave behind by helping others improve.”

ADRA El Salvador is part of the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) organization, the global humanitarian arm of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. As a branch of ADRA International, which operates in more than 120 countries, ADRA El Salvador works to improve lives through disaster response, economic development, education, and health initiatives. ADRA provides emergency aid in times of crisis, promotes long-term community development, and advocates for justice and equity. Guided by a mission to serve humanity, ADRA continues to bring hope and practical support to those in need across El Salvador and beyond.

The original article was published on the Inter-American Division news site.