In a rural setting in Manus Province we found an old mother whose limited capacity to read and write cost her lot of money.
Pinou Pokapin is in her late 60s and has three children and eight grandchildren.
She said she sometimes felt like crying when observing other old women able to read their Bibles, and read letters sent by their sons and daughters. There was a missionary couple who had been there for two years translating the Bible, from English to the Kurti language. They were not only translating the Bible but also teaching adult literacy classes.
sometimes with money attached in the envelopes. However she had never received any of that money sent to her. She had to give unopened letters to other women to open the envelope for her. In doing this, they removed the money and had to read the letter to her avoiding the phrases that talked about the money. She did not know that she had been robbed by her own people in the community especially the women who were able to read and write. She told me that she was too old to attend the programme and doesn’t want to be in the center of mockery and ridiculed by young people and children.sses. The literacy class was from 6.30 to 7.30pm every Monday and Wednesday. The Bible translation class was from 8.00 to 9.00pm. The couple had a small generator that they often used to assist the mothers and old women during the lessons. This old woman had to endure the embarrassment of not being involved in the literacy programme like some of her friends. She also had children and grandchildren who were sending her letters, some
This was the disadvantage of not learning how to read and write. Most illiterate people were being robbed and manipulated by the literate. The story of this old woman is an example of how frustrated you can be if you do not know how to read and write.
This photo was taken from a literacy class in a remote village in Chimbu Province of Papua New Guinea. Most of the learners were illiterate mothers, old women and children who were so eager to learn to read and write.
By Christopher