On September 26 at their Fall Convention, the Synodical Women of the ELCA of Eastern North Dakota took a big step.

During the meeting, LPGM friend and traveler Dianne Billey of Ellendale, ND, proposed that the organization support LPGM’s women and girls’ literacy program in the Central African Republic. The C.A.R. is a companion synod of the Eastern North Dakota Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.  

Dianne shared how she had witnessed first-hand the plight of women while visiting the C.A.R.

“I was raised by a teacher,” Dianne said. “For me, the idea of not being able to read or write is almost beyond comprehension.”

She explained how this initiative, launched as a pilot program in 2024 by the social work arm of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of C.A.R. (ELC-CAR), reaches 80 women and girls in three communities.  

“The women are loving it, and more communities are asking for it,” she added.

After almost 15 minutes of discussion and getting clarification, the group voted to support it with a percentage of their offerings, to be determined by their executive board. They felt it was particularly meaningful that it is an initiative to empower women, and as a women’s organization, would be helping sisters across the world.

Friends and groups like EaND WELCA make this project possible with their financial gifts made through LPGM and their prayers.

The event, held at Zion Lutheran Church in Kulm, North Dakota, included a keynote by LPGM Development Director Bethany Krepela on “True Joy: From Trauma to Triumph,” a Communion service, a lunch, and a business meeting.

Attendees included the organization’s four elected officers, cluster representatives from each of the eight clusters, and interested members.

Functional literacy is a major force in the fight against poverty and gives women the opportunity to participate in the economic and social life of their communities. This program enhances the quality of life for both students and teachers by creating income-generating opportunities and by promoting dignity.

As literacy is taught, so are themes relevant to improving living conditions of families, neighborhoods, and communities, including:

·         Public health & hygiene

·         Nutrition

·         Women’s rights & empowerment

To learn more or to invest in this women’s literacy program, visit this page.