Various projects implemented to combat illiteracy in the Third World are explored. Highlights include women's ability to exercise right to learn, adult illiteracy rates, World Literacy of Canada (WLC), the Nicaraguan literacy crusade, and a WLC development education program that encouraged Canadians to prepare materials in "plain…

This report analyzes the initial results of UNESCO's Experimental World Literacy Programme and makes recommendations for future action. The meaning of functional literacy is discussed, and pilot projects in twelve countries are briefly described. The analysis reveals that the programme has fallen seriously behind schedule, that the number of adult…

Adult education has drawn relatively small amounts of money and skill away from the Latin American government's obsessive concern with primary schooling. But its share of educational resources is increasing rapidly, particularly in literacy and agricultural extension. (SSH)

This booklet about UNESCO's literacy program is written for, as well as about, young people to emphasize youth's contribution to literacy work. The purposes of the booklet are to: (1) explain some of the basic facts of illiteracy and literacy action; (2) analyze some of the major unresolved issues of illiteracy and literacy; and (3) stimulate and…

A fervent idealist whose dream was to eliminate illiteracy throughout the world, Frank C. Laubach sought to bring Christianity to the masses by giving them the ability to read and spread the teachings of the Bible. In working with people in the nonindustrialized nations, Laubach also saw the need for economic and political self-sufficiency. He…

Information is presented in recognition of the United Nations General Assembly proclamation of 1990 as International Literacy Year (ILY). It is shown that, in 1985, there were an estimated 889 million adult illiterates in the world (more than 25% of the adult population), and more than 100 million children of primary school age in developing…

This paper critically examines the goals, processes, resources, and effectiveness of Ethiopia's efforts to teach its people to read. Of the estimated 27 million people living in Ethiopia, only ten percent are literate. In recognition of this, and with the hypothesis that literacy skills are prerequisites for building a just and egalitarian…

In practically all countries, the governing bodies seem to be conscious of the important role the ability to read well plays in all educational activities. But the tremendous demand for education has far outpaced the supply. Since World War II, many new self-governing countries have been established of which most are illiterate. Since democracy in…

Notes 1990 is UNESCO's International Literacy Year. Presents alternative ways of overcoming illiteracy in Latin America. Suggests major contributing factors concern the region's weak economy. Argues the state's role is decisive in transferring resources to marginal sectors. Views literacy as a basic human right and that it allows for democratic…

During 9 years of operation, the Collective Consultation has provided a structure within which nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) exchange information and experience related to literacy more effectively. The bureau known as "the working group" is responsible for implementation of decisions taken during the Collective Consultation, for their…

This document presents an overview of support for economic development provided by the Swedish government to a variety of nonformal adult education programs in developing nations (mostly in Africa). The four sections of the report provide details of the following: (1) scope, objectives, and methods of Swedish development cooperation; (2) the…

Describes the work of a Unesco-sponsored workshop which was held to develop population education materials specifically intended for the illiterate and semiliterate population, the rural poor and urban slum dwellers. Principal users of the materials are to be nonformal educators. (TW)

This issue of the Courier contains articles loosely connected to each other by the underlying theme of developing people's capacity to improve the quality of their lives. The following articles are included: "Development of Human Resources--A Basic Needs Approach," by Mohiuddin Ahmad; "Rural Poverty," by the United Nations Food…

Intended for people in government and other agencies who make decisions on policy or on funding for literacy, this short report of an international seminar on literacy summarizes seminar themes. The first topic considered is the rationale for investment in education. The connection between literacy and national development is stressed, and three…

International Literacy Day (ILD) has been celebrated since 1967 and has been the focus of learning festivals held over the years by different countries to recognize adult learners across the world. This guide was developed to strengthen ILD, to share the experiences of educators from around the world who have seen the value of using promotional…