The global literacy challenge : a profile of youth and adult literacy at the mid-point of the United Nations Literacy Decade 2003 – 2012 / prepared and edited by Mark Richmond, Clinton Robinson, Margarete Sachs-Israel.

(ED-2008

WS52) CLD-2128.8.

Includes Bibliographical references.

Literacy is part of achieving full individual potential, learning for growth and change, communication within and across cultures, and participation in social and economic opportunities. Acquiring literacy at a local level and using it meaningfully broadens horizons to a global level. Where knowledge and the processing of information are increasingly the means of social mobility and economic progress, learning throughout life is the norm, and literacy is the key—back cover.

Summary: The United Nations literacy decade (UNLD, 2003-2012) has reached its mid-point, with initiatives and policy shifts which provide a stronger basis for action on literacy now and in the future. The rise in the global adult literacy rate (15+) from 76 to 83.6 per cent over the last two decades shows steady progress, with the rates in developing countries showing an even sharper rise from 68 to 79 per cent. The literacy initiative for empowerment (LIFE) has given new impetus to efforts in countries of high literacy needs. However, progress overall is not enough to meet the 2015 education for all goal of halving illiteracy rates. Sub-Saharan Africa, the Arab States region and South and West Asia demonstrate the largest literacy needs…—(p. 7).