Statistics released by UN are alarming : one is five adults is still not literate, two thirds of them are women, 67.4 million children are out of school.
The definition of literacy and a literate person is vast according to UNESCO. A literate person is one, who can, with understanding, both read and write a short statement relevant to routine life, and capable of analytical understanding of men’s condition in the world. Literacy is a means of personal liberation and development and delivering individuals educational efforts. Literacy is a method of achieving faculties to develop their economic status and general well being and inculcating values of national integration, conservation of surroundings, fairer sex’s equality, observance of standard family tradition, etc.
"Literacy is a human right, a tool of personal empowerment and a means for social and human development. Educational opportunities depend on literacy."
(UNESCO)
"Literacy is at the heart of basic education for all, and essential for eradicating poverty, reducing child mortality, curbing population growth, achieving gender equality and ensuring sustainable development, peace and democracy. There are good reasons why literacy is at the core of Education for All (EFA).
A good quality basic education equips pupils with literacy skills for life and further learning; literate parents are more likely to send their children to school; literate people are better able to access continuing educational opportunities; and literate societies are better geared to meet pressing development."
(UNESCO)
"A child born to a mother who can read is 50% more likely to survive past the age of five."
(UNICEF)
It is in our hands to build a better future. Literacy and education for all are our best strategies against the plagues of this world.
Resources
The Literacy Project
UNESCO - United Nations' Literacy Decade (2003 - 2012)
International Institute for Educational Planning
http://www.iiep.unesco.org/en/news/single-view/hash/636ace57b3.html?tx_ttnews[tt_news]=638&tx_ttnews[backPid]=262Room to Read
1 GOAL
4664 - Awareness and education through entertainment
Nelson Mandela Children's Fund
3 comments:
Thank you for this!!! That is such an important cause. We all take education for granted but it isn't.
That's a reason why I think we should help others to get educated so they can help themselves one day instead of just feeding them.
Both is important but literacy is the key to a better life.
I agree, education is taken for granted, many children are expected to work at a young age, or are thrust into life situations that many of us would never dare to imagine.
Thank you for reminding us.
Knowledge is power. No one can expand his knowledge without literacy. Without education children´s future is beeing a puppet in the hands of the powerful for the rest of their lifes.
Thank you, mike1909, for this article and the links!
We can not get enough reminders to stand up for the rights of the children.
Post a Comment