LookAtLove

Through the ups and downs of life—the lows and the highs—one thing should remain:

knowledge. Whether rich, complex, simple, or profound, the ability to receive, explain, and

practice knowledge should remain a right to all. This includes the ability to read, write, and to

maintain basic literacy skills. Yet, illiteracy still remains a major issue worldwide. According to

UNESCO, there are 754 million adults still unable to read and write, with 250 million children

failing to acquire basic literacy skills. While the global literacy rates have increased over the past

decade, many children and adults, specifically those in developing countries, still lack the

necessary skills and support to deem them literate, with this expected to rise by an estimated

20% per year. Without any effective intervention, lifelong poverty and unemployment are looking

at these youths right in their eyes.

Widespread illiteracy limits a country’s economic growth and perpetuates this cycle of poverty.

An unskilled, poorly educated workforce hinders productivity, innovation, and development that

can contribute to a country’s economy. This, in turn, deters domestic and foreign investment.

The result is immediately apparent: stagnation, fewer jobs, lower incomes, and

eventually—greater poverty. For instance, the adult literacy rate of Mali stands at just 35% and it

remains one of the poorest countries in the world.

However, there's still hope. Through early education and tackling the issue at its roots, we can

end this once and for all. And as a matter of fact, we have made significant progress in tackling

illiteracy. In 2021, 393 million children were reported as unable to read. Since then, in only 4

years, we have almost lifted 150 million children out of poverty. This is done through the efforts

of many developed countries, targeted initiatives, and many organizations. Furthermore, the

global literacy rate has risen substantially, from around 69% in 1976 to 86% in 2016, indicating a

considerable improvement in the ability to read and write, according to UNESCO. Yet, we

shouldn’t stop here. Through solutions like educational initiatives, modern teaching approaches,

and community-based programs, you can help make major strides toward an entirely literate

world.