In a circle of determined women holding pencils and notebooks, Rukhsana Khatun guides her students through their first written words. As an adult literacy coordinator through ESDR’s education program, she has helped over 200 women learn to read and write, opening doors to independence and self-advocacy.
Rukhsana understands her students’ challenges because she faced them herself. “I learned to read when I was 25,” she shares. “I remember the frustration of not being able to read my children’s school reports or understand official documents. That’s why this work is so important to me.”
Her training covered adult learning principles, literacy instruction methods, and program coordination. She learned to adapt teaching techniques for different learning styles, create supportive learning environments, and address the specific challenges adult learners face.
Rukhsana’s classes are designed around practical needs—reading medical instructions, understanding legal documents, helping children with homework, and managing household finances. She makes learning relevant and immediately useful for her students’ daily lives.
“When a woman learns to read, she doesn’t just gain a skill—she gains power,” Rukhsana explains. “She can advocate for her children, understand her rights, and participate fully in her community.” Her students often become advocates themselves, encouraging other women to join literacy programs and supporting each other’s continued learning.
