United Nations Literacy Decade: Education for All (2003-2012)

Literacy is a human right. Basic education, within which literacy is the key learning tool, was recognized as a human right over 50 years ago, in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Yet, today, this right continues to be violated for such a large proportion of humanity.

Literacy is about more than reading and writing. It is about how we communicate in society. It is about social practices and relationships, about knowledge, language and culture. Literacy -- the use of written communication -- finds its place in our lives alongside other ways of communicating. Indeed, literacy itself takes many forms: on paper, on the computer screen, on TV, on posters and signs. Those who use literacy take it for granted but those who cannot use it are excluded from much communication in today’s world. It is the excluded who can best appreciate the notion of ‘literacy as freedom’.

However, if current trends continue, and if we fail to introduce major changes in the school system, "Literacy as Freedom" will continue to be an unreachable dream for millions of people. Renewed, co-ordinated and sustained efforts must be taken in the next few years to reverse these trends and ensure that we are on the right track towards Literacy for All and thus "Education for All".

This is the reason why the General Assembly of the United Nations proclaimed the "United Nations Literacy Decade" for the period, 2003 - 2012. Together, we can make a difference in this world so that everyone has access to literacy in ways that are relevant and meaningful.

While societies enter into the information and knowledge society, and modern technologies develop and spread at rapid speed, 860 million adults are illiterate, over 100 million children have no access to school, and countless children, youth and adults who attend school or other education programmes fall short of the required level to be considered literate in today´s complex world.

Did you know?

• In 2000, one in five adults aged 15+ was illiterate.
• If the current trend continues, in 2015 there will be 800 million illiterate adults.
• Women account for two out of three illiterate adults.
• There is a Gender Gap: In 2000, there were 236 million more illiterate women than men and it is projected in 2015 the difference will be 215 million. This gender gap is more pronounced in the Arab States and North Africa, and in South and West Asia.