Education and Training

It is difficult to make a sweeping generalization about which groups of people are weak in education, as educational attainment can vary greatly depending on various factors such as socioeconomic status, access to quality education, and cultural context. However, there are certain groups that tend to face more challenges in education than others.

According to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics, in 2021, approximately 773 million adults worldwide lacked basic literacy skills, which means they were unable to read or write a simple statement about their daily life. This represents about 15% of the global adult population.

In less developed countries, the percentage of adults without basic literacy skills is higher. The same UNESCO report found that in the least developed countries, 32% of adults lacked basic literacy skills. Additionally, women are disproportionately affected by illiteracy, with two-thirds of the world’s illiterate adults being women.

Globally, girls and women have historically faced barriers to accessing education. Although significant progress has been made in recent years, gender disparities in education persist, particularly in low-income countries. In these settings, girls are more likely to drop out of school, have lower literacy rates, and face limited opportunities for further education due to factors like poverty, early marriage, and traditional gender norms.

In terms of age groups, children and adolescents from disadvantaged backgrounds are more likely to struggle academically. This can include those living in poverty, ethnic minorities, refugees, and those with disabilities. These groups often face barriers to accessing quality education and are more likely to have lower educational attainment.

Our team’s effort is to carefully examine these educational challenges in the different groups and ethnicities covered and provide an educational program suitable for the region. These programs will be in accordance with the limitations, situations and traditions of the indigenous people of the region. It’s important to note that education is a complex issue, and it’s not solely about age or gender. Many factors contribute to educational disparities, and addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach that considers the unique needs of different groups and communities.

Basic literacy education is a form of education that focuses on teaching foundational reading and writing skills to individuals who lack these skills. The goal of basic literacy education is to enable individuals to read and write at a functional level, which means they can understand and communicate basic information in written form.

It’s difficult to determine a specific minimum standard for literacy as definitions can vary between countries and organizations. However, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) defines literacy as the ability to read and write a short, simple statement about one’s daily life. Using this definition, a literate person is someone who can read and write at a basic level.

Basic literacy education can take many forms, depending on the context and the needs of the learners. Some of the common features of basic literacy education programs include:

1.  Trained teachers and instructors: It is important to have qualified and experienced teachers who can provide effective instruction and support to learners. These teachers should have knowledge of the local language and culture and be able to adapt their teaching methods to suit the needs of different learners.
2. Curriculum and learning materials: A curriculum that covers basic reading and writing skills should be developed. Learning materials such as textbooks, workbooks, and writing materials should be provided to learners.
3. Classroom or learning space: A physical space is needed to conduct the classes or learning sessions. This space should be safe, comfortable, and conducive to learning.
4. Basic infrastructure: Basic infrastructure such as electricity, clean water, and sanitation facilities should be available in the learning space to ensure a safe and healthy learning environment.
5. Learning technology: Depending on the context, technology such as computers or tablets may be used to enhance learning and provide additional resources.
6. Supportive community: The support of the community is essential to ensure the successful implementation of the literacy program. Community members can provide support to learners and help to create a positive learning environment.

Basic literacy education is important because it enables individuals to participate more fully in society and to access information and opportunities that may be otherwise unavailable to them. Basic literacy education can also lead to improved health outcomes, increased economic opportunities, and greater civic engagement.