The United States ranked 8th in 2015 according to the United Nations' Human Development Index, but empirical evidence shows that there are regions "within" the U.S. that would not classify as having "very high human development." We know about domestic poverty and hardship, but there are regions in the United States that are…

UIL has published a second edition of a collection of case studies of promising literacy programmes that seek to empower women. "Narrowing the Gender Gap: Empowering Women through Literacy Programmes" (originally published in 2013 as "Literacy Programmes with a Focus on Women to Reduce Gender Disparities") responds to the…

Literacy is the foundation of lifelong learning and a crucial element in the universally recognised right to education. However, illiteracy continues to exist as a global challenge, and many individuals still lack the basic literacy skills that are needed to engage in further learning opportunities and for the economic and social development of…

Almost 900m adolescents and adults are illiterate in the developing world, yet most policy discussions focus on the educational circumstances of primary aged children. As a result non-formal educational programs for adolescents and adults are given very little support, and this group is virtually ignored in international agreements such as the…

Communication is an important input in development. The role of communication is socio-economic and cultural development at national and international levels. Development is considered an important component of progress. The progressive change is described as alterations in awareness, motivation and participation of the individuals. With the…

The author discusses adult education, poverty, and development in developing nations. Emphasis is on the results of the International Council for Adult Education's poverty project, which attempted to determine the most efficient use of international adult education monies. Recommendations are included. (CH)

Examines three myths concerning illiteracy: (1) the Third World remains poor because of high illiteracy rates; (2) nations can be rated on a scale that compares relative literacy rates, and (3) what is needed is a reliable definition. Concludes the real issue is not literacy, but equity and justice. (CH)

The authors focus on providing opportunities for women in Third World countries in agriculture. A review of the body of knowledge in agricultural development and of the issues surrounding current world food crises is included. (CH)

While the implementation of adult literacy promotion can best be handled at the national level, some important things can be done at the Southern African Development Co-ordination Conference (SADCC) level. A persuasive argument can be made on behalf of adult literacy in the SADCC development strategy. The people need to be educated in the…

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…

The author attempts to trace the major thrusts in educational development since 1948, partly through a literature study and partly through a study of experiments and failures that have taken place. He assesses achievements and ongoing problems and looks at lessons learned. He concludes by identifying ongoing issues likely to dominate the 1990s.…

The International Taskforce on Literacy, which is composed of nongovernmental organizations, has carried the literacy message to people everywhere. Two particularly noteworthy activities of the Taskforce are the People's Launch of International Literacy Year at the International Council for Adult Education conference in Thailand in January 1990…

Continuing education needs of the Latin American population are related to the need of Latin American countries for social and economic development. The source of continuing educaton needs is the area's differentiated socioeconomic development and cultural diversity. Some common features of Latin American educational systems, well known as…

Discusses the many facets of the role of television in developing countries and describes the unscripted television play, a technique being used in Kenya to inform, educate, and entertain the population. (LLS)

This document contains the report and edited papers from an international seminar emphasizing the sharing of ideas and resources to eliminate illiteracy. Chapter I of the seven-chapter report offers background information and seminar objectives. Chapter II provides a world overview, which describes the general development context of literacy. In…