The celebration of International Book Year in 1972 provided an impetus to increasing the number of people who read throughout the world. Four themes for that program were the promotion of the reading habit, development of book production and distribution, promotion of books in the service of education and peace, and encouragement of authorship and…

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…

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…

Discusses the developments of the Regional Population Education Program of the Unesco Principal Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific during the period 1984-87. Discusses new projects, technical assistance activities, national capabilities, and new program thrusts. (TW)

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 report provides materials from the second meeting of the International Task Force on Literacy (ITFL), which focused on specific goals and targets for nongovernmental organization (NGO) mobilization for 1990, International Literacy Year (ILY). Section 2 discusses issues that emerged as central to work in literacy, including literacy,…

Summarizes results of UNESCO's review of estimates and predictions of literacy in light of new data and revised methodology. Analyzes past trends in literacy, illiteracy rates, and prospects for future development. Suggests that the target year 2000 seems unrealistic for those most disadvantaged. Includes breakdowns for disparities by sex, age…

The document is comprised of short articles on a variety of topics chosen for their relevance to educators in internationally-oriented schools. Some of the subjects covered are international women's year, population assistance to developing countries, Iranian Folktales, illiteracy in Latin America, and Ford Foundation involvement in Turkey. There…

The author discusses four major issues that confront the development of required basic education: the huge number of people needing education; the extreme poverty of these people; the increasing number of those in need of education; and lack of success in past attempts at combating ignorance and illiteracy. Also, a basic education delivery system…

Discusses the changing nature of UNESCO's approach to attaining worldwide literacy. Argues that any initiative in formal education or adult literacy depends on political engagement at the highest level, mobilization of necessary financial and human resources, and genuine popular participation. Suggests finding a common language to improve the…

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…

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)