More than 3,400 adults graduated February 11 from an adult literacy program in Eastern Uganda run by the Adventist Development and Relief Agency.

The Kioga Integrated Functional Adult Literacy program teaches participants how to read, write, and do basic math through practical subjects such as micro-enterprise development, improved agricultural techniques and environmental protection. The curriculum also stresses improved hygiene and sanitation, and one of the programs teaches men, women, and adolescents about HIV/AIDS.

Since 1998, 34 instructors have been training adult learners in 29 centers. Graduates are eligible for small business loans in a program started by ADRA Uganda, and now run by the community.