Illiteracy, poverty and poor health are inextricably linked together in the country of Haiti. In the crowded slums throughout Haiti's capital over 47% of adults cannot read or write. Illiteracy rates are even more staggering in the rural sections of Northern Haiti. Illiteracy is part of the problem that entrenches men and women in destitution. It denies them the opportunity to get better paying jobs, afford safe, clean homes, and purchase decent clothing and daily food. Without these basics, their children cannot stay healthy.

In the developing world there exists a strong correlation between the education level of parents and the health of their children. Therefore, as an organization committed to the promotion of health for children, ICC intentionally seeks to meet the needs of men and women as well. Recognizing that illiteracy condemns many to unemployment, hunger, sickness and fear, International Child Care began an adult literacy outreach in 1991 to supplement health activities in the poor slums of Port-au- Prince and its rural program areas.

International Child Care offers two adult literacy classes in thirteen shantytowns and nine rural communities twice per year. Each class is held for six months. Students are required to take a Creole class first as a prerequisite to a French class. At the completion of the class, the students are then tested. If a student does not pass the test, they may retake the class until they do so. After completing both classes, students graduate from ICC´s literacy program and can enroll in public school if they so chose.

By providing literacy training as an extension of ICC´s health work, lives are being transformed and empowered in ways that infuse a new sense of hope, self-esteem and ultimately sustainable means for men and women to better support themselves and their families.