MISSION STATEMENT
Our commitment is to continue engaging all stakeholders towards building a democratic South Africa by implementing Adult Education and Training for Life-Long learning programmes for those who have been denied this basic human right. Adults will have a strong and meaningful voice in society as well as a better quality of life.
AIMS
- Raise community awareness regarding the need for a literate society
- Train facilitators to meet community needs in rural and urban areas and establish Adult Learning groups and centres
- Develop relevant learner-centred material
- Network locally, nationally and internationally
- Encourage Life Long Learning
OUR VISION
Is to continue contributing towards building a democratic South Africa
by empowering all people to actively participate at all levels of decision
making as well as to enable South Africa to meet her economic and human
resource potential.
ETHOS
DEVELOPING : Self-esteem, usefulness and purpose
MOTIVATING : Personal values and social responsibilities
REACHING : The unreached
SHARING : Visions and achievements
LISTENING : To learners and taking their voice into account
LEARNING : In order to keep up with the rapidly changing world
EMPOWERING : South Africans to change their lives and shape their own destinies
MESSAGE FROM PROGRAMME CO-ORDINATOR :
SR M. MARINA LAWRENCE
"In 1968 it was providential that I was sent by my community, the Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary, to take up a teaching post in Hanover Park where many families from my home parish in District Six had been relocated. Teaching in Hanover Park and having contact with the parents I was shocked to realise that many adults were unable to read and write. Often I was asked by parents to read personal letters and even children's school reports.
We realised that literacy was a basic need in the community we were serving. This challenge motivated the launch of the Maryland Literacy Programme in Hanover Park on 16 June 1976.
The hundreds of competent volunteers from all walks of life, all races and all denominations have provided dedicated service to Maryland's vision of a literate society in South Africa. Through their generous commitment the programme has grown from strength to strength.
Over the years our adult learners have been our source of motivation. Their courage and determination have inspired us to continue the development of a programme of which we are indeed proud. These years have been an experience of personal and community growth for all in the programme.
We achieve what we did because we believe in what we are doing.
New challenges are facing NGO's, CBO's and all who are concerned for
adult education for Life-long learning. Our past experiences give us hope
and motivate us to work tirelessly to achieve our dream of a literate
South Africa.
We thank God for the years of dedication shown by all involved in Maryland
Literacy Programme and mAy the next generation continue with the vision
of Life-long Learning.