| Literacy is a right and the
foundation for all further learning. Yet literacy remains a right denied
to at least 771 million adults. The 2006 Global Monitoring Report,
Literacy for Life, maps the global literacy challenge, drawing attention
to new methods for measuring it more accurately. It analyses how societies
have attained widespread literacy before critically examining national
strategies and international commitments aimed at achieving this
goal.
Although adult literacy rates doubled in Sub-Saharan Africa, the Arab States and South and West Asia from 1970 to 2000, the rate of progress has slowed considerably since 1990, according to the report. If present trends continue, only 86 percent of the world’s adults will be literate by 2015, up from 82 percent today. Reflecting deep-seated gender inequalities in many societies, women account for 64% of the adults worldwide who cannot read or write with understanding. This figure remains virtually unchanged from 63% in 1990. Every year, the EFA Global Monitoring Report assesses where the world stands on its commitment to provide a basic education to all children, youth and adults by 2015. Developed by an independent team and published by UNESCO, the report is an authoritative reference that aims to inform, influence and sustain genuine commitment towards education for all. The UIS is a key member of the EFA monitoring team, providing statistical annexes and analysis which lay the foundations for the report. For more information on the EFA Global Monitoring Report including links to the current and prior reports, press releases, frequently asked questions, etc., visit the EFA Global Monitoring Report Website The full report can be downloaded here. __________________________________________________________________ |