Regional Seventh-day Adventist church and humanitarian leaders recently celebrated the 1,008 adults who completed a literacy program organized by the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) in El Salvador. A special graduation ceremony, held at the Adventist Training School in San Juan Opico, Libertad, saw graduates—mostly older adults—beaming with pride as they received their certificates for mastering reading and writing skills.
Government and church officials attended the February 2 ceremony, along with the graduates’ families and local church leaders, who gathered to honor the students’ achievement.
“This is a clear example that education has no age,” said Oscar Omar Bonilla of the Ministry of Education in El Salvador. “Today we celebrate not only the completion of studies but also the perseverance and determination of each one of you to improve your lives.” Bonilla further acknowledged ADRA’s unique contribution to education in El Salvador, noting that no other institution provides literacy programs for older adults.
ADRA’s Long-standing Commitment to Literacy
In partnership with the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology (MINEDUCTYT), ADRA El Salvador has been running literacy programs across 12 departments of the country for more than 15 years. The initiative has grown with support from the Seventh-day Adventist Church, local municipalities, and community organizations, explained Alex Figueroa, ADRA El Salvador’s director.
“Our commitment to eliminating illiteracy in El Salvador remains strong,” Figueroa said. “We’re dedicated to giving both young and old the opportunity to discover their potential through education.”
This year 119 groups, led by government-certified teachers and ADRA volunteer coordinators—many of whom are church members—have worked together to help these students achieve educational milestones. The program follows a yearlong curriculum, which includes both reading and writing, with assessments carried out periodically to track progress.
An elderly woman shows her certificate of completion during the special graduation ceremony. [Photo: ADRA El Salvador] Oscar Omar Bonilla, of the Ministry of Education in El Salvador, praised the work of ADRA El Salvador. [Photo: ADRA El Salvador] A group who completed the literacy courses wear caps and gowns in representation of the 1,008 who graduated on February 2. [Photo: ADRA El Salvador]
Addressing Illiteracy
According to the 2024 census, 9.4 percent of El Salvador’s population remains illiterate—a decrease from 16 percent in 2007, but still a significant concern. “While the literacy rate is improving, more work remains to be done,” said Figueroa, highlighting that more than 400,000 people age 10 and older are still unable to read or write.
The program has proved to be effective, as 144 of this year’s graduates reached high school-level reading proficiency, with many others completing the equivalent of first through sixth grade levels.
“We will continue to partner with the government and education ministries to extend this program to more communities and empower even more Salvadorans,” Figueroa added. This year’s goal is to reach an additional 1,000 individuals.
ADRA El Salvador director Alex Figueroa speaks on the church’s agency’s ongoing commitment to literacy across the nation. [Photo: ADRA El Salvador] Elvira García, one of the graduates of the literacy program, shares her experience and new outlook on life. [Photo: ADRA El Salvador] Francisco Ramírez, an ADRA teacher volunteer in literacy circles, described his experience as a labor of love and an honor. [Photo: ADRA El Salvador] David Poloche, ADRA Inter-America director, congratulates all involved in improving the lives of so many people. [Photo: ADRA El Salvador]
A New Beginning for Many
For many participants the literacy program has opened new doors. “It’s never too late to learn,” said Elvira García, one of the graduates. “I always saw others reading the Bible, and I wanted to be able to understand it for myself. Now I can read and study it on my own, and it has given me a whole new perspective on life.”
Francisco Ramírez, a volunteer teacher from Texacuangos in the San Salvador department, expressed his deep passion for the program. “Seeing the growth of my students has been the most rewarding experience of my life,” he said. “One of my students was a grandmother who, despite her age, attended classes with her young grandchildren. She started at the beginner level, and now she’s reading at a sixth grade level,” Ramírez shared with pride.
He described the experience as a true labor of love, patience, and dedication, which has empowered many older adults to progress in their educational journey. “Teaching in these communities has been an honor,” Ramírez added.
Abel Pacheco, president of the El Salvador Union Mission, congratulated the graduates and emphasized the church’s continued support for transformative programs such as this one. He called on government leaders, educators, and donors to keep investing in initiatives that foster learning and the wholistic development of individuals throughout the country.
David Poloche, director of ADRA Inter-America, praised the ADRA El Salvador team for their unwavering commitment to improving lives. “This literacy program has left a lasting impact, not just through education but also through the values of excellence, integrity, and the teachings of Jesus,” Poloche said. “As you continue on your life journey, think about the legacy you can leave behind by helping others improve.”
The original version of this story was posted on the Inter-American Division news site.