GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — For many women in Uganda, learning to read and write is more than just acquiring a skill — it’s a path to opportunity for themselves and their children. Mindi Freng, a West Michigan volunteer with the nonprofit Heal and Thrive Global, has witnessed firsthand how literacy programs can transform lives.

“What we’ve found over the last ten years is that by providing for the moms specifically, the kids are thriving, they’re able to put their own kids in school. And it’s just been a really exciting thing to watch as it’s grown,” Freng said.

To celebrate the women completing these programs, the nonprofit holds graduation ceremonies — and over time, graduation gowns have become a meaningful symbol of their achievement.

“Really celebrating them, these women did not want to

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