Literacy is not an end in itself; the real concern is that illiterate people do not have access to the knowledge and skills that can improve their situation. Literacy education should be tied to a process of economic development. (SK)

Discusses ambivalent attitudes toward the influence of external agencies, specifically the World Bank, on policies and programs of development. Concludes that the strategy of lending must be backed up by the analysis of development situations, assessment of the political climate for mass oriented development, and the basis of political commitment…

Discussed is the role of nonformal education in relation to six concerns in educational development faced by developing nations: (1) universalization of primary education, (2) post-primary educational opportunities, (3) early childhood care and education, (4) relevance of school experience, (5) efficient use of scarce resources, and (6)…

Clarifies the concept of universal basic education. Highlights the need for performance criteria and ways to measure literacy attainment. Identifies issues related to improving primary education, seeing adult literacy as its necessary complement. Underscores the substantial resources required to achieve universal basic education. (CH)