This report offers a brief account of Iraq's recent mass literacy initiative, considered within the broader context of illiteracy problems throughout the Arab world. The Iraqi experience is noteworthy for both the size and the unique character of the campaign launched by that nation's Arab Ba'ath Socialist regime. (Author/SJL)

Several categories of the Greek population were and have remained "educationally deprived" because the educational system continues to push them to one side. The author discusses how reform legislation will raise Greece's educational standards, but continues to avoid the educational growth of these segments of Greek society. (Author/RK)

Analyzes data from evaluations of seven Nepalese literacy programs (five for adults and two for out-of-school children) using the same instructional materials and design. Examines dropout rates, female participation, language of instruction, skill acquisition, skill retention, changes in attitudes and knowledge, effects on elementary enrollment,…

Examines literacy education in Iran, including educational objectives, content, student characteristics, teacher selection, textbooks, and obstacles to success. Concludes that Iranian literacy education is limited to reading, writing, and arithmetic, with no additional training aimed at functional literacy; and serves principally as a…

Examines the increased recognition of widespread adult illiteracy in industrialized countries; the origins of such recognition in voluntary bodies and advocacy groups; and the extent to which true adult-literacy policies have been developed. Compares adult-literacy efforts in the United Kingdom, France, and the United States with regard to…

Examines the expansion of schooling in Argentina, 1960-91, focusing on the evolution of regional inequalities and their relationship to regional economic differences. Analysis of data on regional illiteracy rates, enrollment rates, and urbanization suggests that institutional dynamics are better predictors of early stages of educational expansion,…

The Morocco Literacy Survey, which directly assessed various individual competencies, and a self-report were completed by 8,050 Moroccans in 2,240 households. Analysis of age cohorts revealed that Morocco halved illiteracy in the past three decades, but rural-urban and gender disparities widened. Literacy classification by self-report or…

Describes status and challenge of worldwide illiteracy. Discusses statistical plausibility of universal literacy by 2000. Predicts literacy universalization will take from 14 to 21 years, depending on region, if 1980s trends continue. Implies literacy work requires action strategies commensurate with problem, including national programs and mass…

The current economic development orientation of rural adult literacy education policy in China and Tanzania represents a break with earlier socialist commitments to social equity. These parallel policy shifts in China and Tanzania have been influenced by diverse political and economic factors, both internal and external. Contains 36 references.…

Examines relationships among gender, subordination, politics, poverty, and illiteracy in developing nations. Links women's illiteracy with uneven power distribution. Suggests that patriarchal ideologies shaping the sexual division of labor affect women's access to education and attainment of literacy. Recommends literacy programs be more relevant…

Despite remarkable progress in education, China and India still face problems of massive illiteracy; lack of universal access to education; a hierarchical, elitist, examination-oriented system unrelated to economic needs and productive labor; a large number of unemployed school leavers; and dependence on foreign models, particularly at the higher…