Two Maasai women read the graduation ceremony agenda in Swahili in the Longido district of Tanzania. Photo Credit: Megan Johnson/USAID
In Tanzania, The Empowerment through Literacy Education Access Project (E-LEAP) helps adult Maasai women learn basic Swahili literacy skills, which allows them to have greater access to essential skills. Currently funded through our Education Sector, led by Tom LeBlanc, this program partners with Mwedo (Maasai women development organization) and began in 2007 with 150 Maasai women. Currently, E-LEAP has empowered over 2000 Maasai women. The program extends beyond basic Swahili literacy skills and trains the women in business skills, HIV education, and land rights.
The Empowerment through Literacy Education Access Project is one of the many programs that has been successful in Tanzania that could potentially also be replicated in neighboring countries.