90 Indigenous women to benefit from literacy, numeracy initiative

Project ANAIM, an adult literacy and numeracy initiative designed to empower Indigenous women, was officially launched in Massara Village, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).
The programme will be spearheaded by Food for the Poor (Guyana) Inc, with funding support from the Greater Guyana Ianitiative (GGI).
GGI’s investment in ANAIM underscores its continued commitment to education, capacity building and the creation of opportunities that promote sustainable development for individuals, families, and communities.
Derived from a Carib word meaning “Women of Strength”, ANAIM will provide literacy and numeracy support to 90 Indigenous women across five communities in Regions One, Eight and Nine.

The initiative seeks to strengthen participants’ knowledge, skills and confidence, enabling them to better contribute to their families and communities while expanding their opportunities for personal and economic development. The villages targeted are Turu Mission, Kopinang, Fairview, Toka, and Massara.
Socio-economic Manager at ExxonMobil Guyana, Lorna Carlson said, “This project recognises that many women face challenges in getting an education. Some live far from schools and training centres, while others may face financial difficulties, family responsibilities, or other barriers that make learning harder. Project ANAIM is helping to change that.”
The training will be conducted for several months, administering practical instruction in reading, writing and numeracy, strengthening participants’ everyday decision-making, information management, and basic financial skills. Beyond developing foundational skills, Project ANAIM is intended to strengthen women’s ability to navigate everyday life, engage with public services and participate more confidently in community activities.
By strengthening foundational skills, the project aims to help women participate more confidently in family, community, and economic life while overcoming barriers that have limited access to education and opportunity.
In addition, Chief Executive Officer of FFTP Guyana Inc, Andrea Benjamin, said the community-focused initiative aims to help women make their voices heard, including when engaging with the Regional Democratic Council (RDC).
“One of the greatest impacts we hope to see is confidence. We want women to feel comfortable attending community meetings, communicating with their leaders and speaking with teachers, healthcare workers, and Government officials. When the RDC engages with residents, we want to hear more women asking questions and contributing their own ideas to discussions about development and their communities.”
Working with village councils, Toshaos, and Regional Education Offices, the project will bring learning opportunities closer to women in remote Indigenous communities.

This community-based approach is intended to make the programme accessible and responsive to the women it serves, while strengthening awareness of the importance of adult education and lifelong learning. The benefits are expected to extend to families and communities as participants become better positioned to support their children’s education and contribute to community life.
Participant Leonie Edwards welcomed the programme’s projected benefits for her family.
“I am glad that I am one of the students. I think I will learn more, and I know this project will benefit me and my family, especially when it comes to managing money. When they teach us about financial matters, I will be better able to account for the money that I spend.”
Region Nine Regional Councillor Berney Robertson encouraged participants to support each other, stating, “Do not feel that it is ever too late to learn. I encourage you to support one another. Let this programme become a place where women encourage women, learn together, and grow together.”
Through GGI’s support, Project ANAIM advances adult education and lifelong learning as pathways to stronger participation and greater inclusion.