From Silence to Voice: How One Woman's Literacy Journey Is Transforming a Community

By Christabel Mundike, Communications Officer, Zambia

In many Zambian communities, few families own books, and even fewer have personal Bibles. Owning a Bible, however, plays a meaningful role in building a home literacy environment, one that supports children's reading journeys, especially when they are already participating in World Vision's literacy programs.

Through the Bible League Literacy Program, World Vision Zambia is bridging this gap by providing Bibles alongside essential literacy and life skills training that communities need to thrive.

51-year-old Faustina Muzoka, was among the first to join the program in Jembo community, Southern Province. She came with a deep desire, to know God through His Word. But when she received a Bible through World Vision, she struggled to read and understand what was written on its pages. The Bible League Literacy Program changed that.

"I now read and speak English, which is something I never used to do," she says. "Not only are we taught the Bible, but we also learn life-saving skills like cooking healthy meals using locally available ingredients. Thank you, World Vision, my life has changed. Please continue helping us draw closer to God."

For Faustina, learning to read did more than open the scriptures. It repaired something closer to home.

"Being part of this program has brought me closer to my children. I now help them with their homework. Before, they thought I didn't care about them. Now, we are united as a family."

Precious Mwiinga, the local facilitator for the Bible League Literacy Program, has witnessed the transformation firsthand.

"Seeing parents learn to read and write brings me so much joy. This program is changing households. When we started, we had 10 members. Now we have 25. Many families have testimonies of how their lives have changed."

The shift in the community is both educational and spiritual.

"People are engaging with God's Word for the first time," Precious adds. "They are reading to their children, supporting them in school, and participating in community discussions. Families are growing stronger, and hope is returning to our community."

That hope is deeply personal for Priscila, another program participant, whose confidence has been renewed through learning to read.

"Learning to read has truly given me a voice," she says. "I used to sit silently in community meetings, too afraid to speak because I could not read or write. Now I stand up, ask questions, and even read aloud in front of others."

World Vision Zambia continues to encourage parents and caregivers to read the Bible — not only for their own spiritual growth but also to support their children's learning. Through Good News classes at school, community reading camps, and shared reading at home, families across Zambia are finding that literacy is more than a skill. It is a foundation for dignity, connection, and hope.