Importance of Literacy of Development

Having known how to read and write from an early age, the importance of literacy development is often overlooked by a country with as many resources as the United States. It is easy to forget all of the privileges we have when compared to other countries. This is especially true in terms of education. Although there are exceptions, finding an adult, or even a child who does not know how to read is something rare and shocking. However, this is not the case for many children, most notably girls, in other countries.

When thinking of literacy; the ability to read, write and communicate our thoughts, we usually do not see it as a privilege, but rather, as a right. According to Unicef, ⅙ of the world’s population is illiterate, and ⅔ of them are women. Being illiterate significantly limits options available, leaving most people in poverty. This is beginning of a vicious and seemingly never ending cycle; those who live in poverty will not have the means necessary to send their own children to school and their children will grow up to live in poverty as well. Of course, there will be exceptions, but generally speaking, this is the trend that tends to hold.

Being illiterate affects not only individuals, but also countries as a whole. In countries where the literacy rate is low, the unemployment rate is 2–4 times higher, the overall long-term GDP growth rate is significantly slower, and health conditions are worse.  This slows economic growth in the country, leading to more poverty and lack of education. The only way to break this trend is by supporting education, as many organizations are trying to do. One of these organizations is the Afghan Literacy Foundation. Through their website, users can donate or sponsor a child to support their educational needs. Afghanistan has some of the lowest literacy rates in the world. About 31% of the total adult population is literate, and only 17% of the adult female population is, although in small villages, this can be as low as 1.6%. These rates are astounding, and almost unbelievable, seeing as in the United States, both male and female literacy is around 99%, according to Unicef.

Literacy empowers and educates people, by allowing them to communicate and share ideas. It is an essential part of life, and without this, many doors are closed.  Although there is no one way to fix this problem overnight, the first step is being aware of the problem, and talking about it. The more people who know that this is occurring, the better. Every man, woman, and child deserves to be literate and have a chance at a better life, and awareness is the first step to make change.

Amanda De Moraes

Boston Tutoring Services