The overall illiteracy rate has been in sharp decline in Latin America, falling from 27.3 percent in 1970 to 17.3 percent in 1985. However, the total number of illiterate people has remained practically stable over the same period. Overall literacy rates tend to increase with the rurality of the population, the proportion of women, the absence of…

In its first 18 months of operation the Centre has undertaken research on major issues and problems in rural education. Its publications have been received favorably, both in Australia and overseas. Visiting scholars from Alaska and Canada have made valuable contributions to the Centre's activities and have increased its links with agencies…