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Why numbers matter
Adding, subtracting, multiplying – so many of us use numeracy at home and work, often without thinking twice about it. We rely on number sense when using recipes, managing time and grocery shopping, amongst many other everyday tasks. But many people see numbers as a challenge in every aspect of their lives.
National Numeracy Day is 21 May 2025; this year’s focus is money, financial education, inclusion and wellbeing – something our Literacy and Financial Education Programme (LFEP) addresses. MU works at grassroots level to equip communities with literacy and numeracy skills to improve their way of life, providing opportunities for long-lasting change.
What we’re doing
For over 25 years, LFEP has been empowering some of the most marginalised communities in the world. The holistic approach uses group settings to enable communities to acquire basic literacy and numeracy skills, alongside sharing their daily issues and challenges.
The programme is open to everyone, crossing the boundaries of religion, age, gender or tribe, enabling community unity. LFEP has been particularly successful in reaching society's most disadvantaged individuals. As a result, women are achieving financial independence, gaining greater control over their lives, and actively participating in household decision-making, community meetings, and leadership roles. Contributing to the family income has seen many women enjoy greater equality in their married relationships, helping to stabilise family and community life.
Why it matters
So many important decisions we must make as adults are based on numbers, which makes it essential to be numerate enough to make informed decisions. To quote Andreas Schleicher from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD): “Good numeracy is the best protection against unemployment, low wages, and poor health.”
In Burundi, LFEP has seen great success - over 20 years, 87% of participants are now accredited as both literate and numerate. They can access loans and save money, and due to this financial empowerment, there is a reported reduction in domestic violence that grows out of economic stress in households.
In South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, both countries have been blighted by conflict for the past 30 years, resulting in loss of life or internal displacement, with many children ending up on the street as their parents struggle to support them through school or to feed them. LFEP is providing women who had no hope or opportunities to work a chance to start businesses and send their children to school. They have opportunities to save their small salaries together and be encouraged that there is a better future for themselves and their families.
Transforming lives
Our programmes aren’t just about learning to read and write - it's about transformation.
Yozonia, a widow, became self-reliant as a result of completing the LFEP, enabling her to pay for school fees for her three children.
“Before I couldn’t count very well, but because of [this programme] I’ve been able to buy two plots of land… I can count all of my ingredients and weigh them properly.”
Yozonia is growing her business to expand into cocoa, securing her family’s future for generations to come. Her new number skills allow her to calculate profit, budget for business expenses, and continue with income-generating initiatives to thrive and grow.
Julienne was appointed as chaplain in her archdeaconry after learning to read and write.
“Before, people used to cheat me in the market because I couldn’t count. Now my children really respect me as I can read, and no one can cheat me. I’m able to do all – I bought a plot of land, and with savings, I'm getting enough to build a house. I know how to use money and save some, and have enough to eat for the day.”
For Margaret, the programme is bringing hope, particularly for herself and others who participate in the programme where there is active conflict occurring.
“Losing everything in conflict is not easy for us. We have started a small savings group and with half of the funds I send my children to school and the other I bought a goat. We all try to go to the market to try to earn something; we collect water bottles to sell or wash dishes or clean.
Literacy will give us more. It will help us do many things so we will not be reliant on one thing. We are seeing life-changing things.”
There’s more to do
Numbers matter. They shape our world and have an everyday impact in multiple ways, through money, technology, healthcare and more. We want to continue making a difference in communities with the Literacy and Financial Education Programme, empowering people and equipping them to make long-lasting changes.
Join Mothers’ Union today, and start making a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and communities across the world.