Hello friends!
Please take a minute to visit our newly updated website at www.united4literacy.org. We hope this updated website will help in our mission to spread literacy. Please also take a look at our facebook page. Both links are provided to the top right of your screen.
Thanks!
-United4Literacy
Wednesday 29 May 2013
Saturday 25 May 2013
Send a Message
It was once said by a great leader that “Literacy is the bridge from misery to hope”. But, for millions of children around the world this bridge is left broken, shattered, never to be repaired, for they are uneducated. Illiteracy lives everywhere and is a challenge facing all of humanity regardless of race, religion, or ideology. A country with illiterate children faces many issues. The challenges in India are a crippling combination of cultural, economic, and social issues caused all by illiteracy. Home to the largest child population of 400 million citizens aged below eighteen, the country has one of the most rigorous and competitive schooling systems in the world. However, India also has one of the lowest literacy rates globally. Its structure of education and its societal disparities has shaped the causes, effects and the possible solutions to the illiteracy problem. As an emerging major producer and consumer nation, India must learn to clean-up and overcome the weak and ineffective educational system and seize its future so the next generation can see a literate and soaring India.
To understand illiteracy in India we have to uncover the roots of an illiterate nation. The eighty-sixth amendment of the constitution under article 21a clearly states, “The State shall provide free and compulsory education to all children of the age of six to fourteen years in such manner as the State may, by law, determine”. Nevertheless, this type of law was not implemented nationwide until the Right of Children to free and compulsory education of 2010. The delay in the enforcement of such a crucial right has allowed India to continue to have insufficient and money centered schooling systems. India’s privatized approached to education is what continues to hurt the nation. For the children who cannot attend private schools with their steep fees, there are government schools. However, studies of these government schools indicate that 59% have no drinking facilities, a further 89% have no washrooms and are often short staffed, since qualified teachers work for the highly competitive wages offered by the private schools. Furthermore, it was the Prime Minister of India, Manmohan Singh, with a pained tone addressing the issue of child literacy quoted “only 47 out of 100 children enrolled in class I reach class VIII, putting the dropout rate at 52.78 percent”. As the resulting socio-economic effects are triggered we see that India continues to suffer under the burden of illiteracy.
As we explore the effects of illiteracy we see that a country suffers both socially and economically from child illiteracy. It is just common sense that in India the child labour issue is the most infamous social effect of child illiteracy. Child labour is proof by contradiction of a weak educational system. The wide spread poverty causes a vicious chain of both poverty and illiteracy for the next generation. If we explore this cycle many of the social effects become clear. We can start with uneducated and subsequently poor parents who lead to exploitation and child labour since the family cannot afford schooling for the child. This leads to less opportunities and a doubtful future for the child. The cycle continues. Both of the issues of poverty and illiteracy could have been eliminated if the parents of the child were literate and understood the importance of education. We could break this cycle in Indian society if we tackled just one link: illiteracy. The subsequent effects upon the country’s economy are crippling and do not even allow a progressive economy like India to advance to its full potential. According to a new report titled ‘Economic and Social Cost of Illiteracy’ released at the World Literacy Summit at Oxford in association with Pearson, illiteracy costs the global economy 1.19 trillion dollars. India is expected to be the home of 50% of all illiterate people worldwide in the next 50 years. Imagine the colossal burden upon one country’s economy that half of the world’s illiterate people could pose.
To understand illiteracy in India we have to uncover the roots of an illiterate nation. The eighty-sixth amendment of the constitution under article 21a clearly states, “The State shall provide free and compulsory education to all children of the age of six to fourteen years in such manner as the State may, by law, determine”. Nevertheless, this type of law was not implemented nationwide until the Right of Children to free and compulsory education of 2010. The delay in the enforcement of such a crucial right has allowed India to continue to have insufficient and money centered schooling systems. India’s privatized approached to education is what continues to hurt the nation. For the children who cannot attend private schools with their steep fees, there are government schools. However, studies of these government schools indicate that 59% have no drinking facilities, a further 89% have no washrooms and are often short staffed, since qualified teachers work for the highly competitive wages offered by the private schools. Furthermore, it was the Prime Minister of India, Manmohan Singh, with a pained tone addressing the issue of child literacy quoted “only 47 out of 100 children enrolled in class I reach class VIII, putting the dropout rate at 52.78 percent”. As the resulting socio-economic effects are triggered we see that India continues to suffer under the burden of illiteracy.
As we explore the effects of illiteracy we see that a country suffers both socially and economically from child illiteracy. It is just common sense that in India the child labour issue is the most infamous social effect of child illiteracy. Child labour is proof by contradiction of a weak educational system. The wide spread poverty causes a vicious chain of both poverty and illiteracy for the next generation. If we explore this cycle many of the social effects become clear. We can start with uneducated and subsequently poor parents who lead to exploitation and child labour since the family cannot afford schooling for the child. This leads to less opportunities and a doubtful future for the child. The cycle continues. Both of the issues of poverty and illiteracy could have been eliminated if the parents of the child were literate and understood the importance of education. We could break this cycle in Indian society if we tackled just one link: illiteracy. The subsequent effects upon the country’s economy are crippling and do not even allow a progressive economy like India to advance to its full potential. According to a new report titled ‘Economic and Social Cost of Illiteracy’ released at the World Literacy Summit at Oxford in association with Pearson, illiteracy costs the global economy 1.19 trillion dollars. India is expected to be the home of 50% of all illiterate people worldwide in the next 50 years. Imagine the colossal burden upon one country’s economy that half of the world’s illiterate people could pose.
Lastly, as a concerned global citizen it becomes vital to offer possible solutions for such a problem. It is crucial to raise the awareness of how important an education is for the people, society and the country as a whole. Among the attempts to cure illiteracy there are undertaking that show that the people of India do care, they yearn to see a shining India. The most successful newspaper in India, The Times of India implemented a “Teach India” goal which calls for support from the general public volunteers to take just 2 hours a week to volunteer and assist them in educating the nation. Furthermore, the government has provided deep insight into the heart of the illiteracy and created the “Midday Meal” program. This program targets rural schools and provides a free meal to the children who study there. Many families with children cannot afford to feed them. The government picking up on this provides meals for children who come to school thus reducing the financial burden to families and educating the child in the process.
Inspired by ideas like these I decided to step up and create a small organization, “United 4 Literacy” to motivate people to take action and appreciate the education that they receive and sometimes do not value fully. Currently we provide the funds in India to educate five children every year who show potential and willingness to study. It is important to realize that change will come only through ideas, an idea by itself may be just an aspiration, but an idea when put into action becomes an inspiration.
Ultimately, literacy is a two sided coin. On one side, if a nation can manage to achieve total literacy than it will reap the benefits of a faultless society and a roaring economy. On the flip side, if literacy is not given total priority by the government and the public of a nation, then the effects can tarnish a nation itself. But, if we put in a sincere effort, and truly unite for literacy, than the dream of a literate nation that the people of India saw since independence can finally be achieved. Only literacy can help someone achieve their rights, so literacy should be made the supreme right. Change will start with building the literacy bridge and end with a shining and excelling India.
Inspired by ideas like these I decided to step up and create a small organization, “United 4 Literacy” to motivate people to take action and appreciate the education that they receive and sometimes do not value fully. Currently we provide the funds in India to educate five children every year who show potential and willingness to study. It is important to realize that change will come only through ideas, an idea by itself may be just an aspiration, but an idea when put into action becomes an inspiration.
Ultimately, literacy is a two sided coin. On one side, if a nation can manage to achieve total literacy than it will reap the benefits of a faultless society and a roaring economy. On the flip side, if literacy is not given total priority by the government and the public of a nation, then the effects can tarnish a nation itself. But, if we put in a sincere effort, and truly unite for literacy, than the dream of a literate nation that the people of India saw since independence can finally be achieved. Only literacy can help someone achieve their rights, so literacy should be made the supreme right. Change will start with building the literacy bridge and end with a shining and excelling India.
Monday 20 May 2013
Participate in Our Surveys
Hello viewers,
We at United4Literacy give utmost priority to effectively solving illiteracy issues globally. It is very important to communicate with our viewers and receive feedback about organization or illiteracy in general. We would like to request you to participate in our online survey poll monthly. Every month, a new survey poll will be asked. If you could honestly answer these simple questions it would be very helpful. There are 29 days left in the current poll asking about your thoughts of our organization.
Thank you to all viewers,
United4Literacy
We at United4Literacy give utmost priority to effectively solving illiteracy issues globally. It is very important to communicate with our viewers and receive feedback about organization or illiteracy in general. We would like to request you to participate in our online survey poll monthly. Every month, a new survey poll will be asked. If you could honestly answer these simple questions it would be very helpful. There are 29 days left in the current poll asking about your thoughts of our organization.
Thank you to all viewers,
United4Literacy
Sunday 19 May 2013
Let's Unite 4 Literacy!
United4Literacy is a venture started to create a chain to successfully educate children in poverty around the world. Through informing our members about our initiatives of helping within our own communities, we plan to create a web page where members can share their experiences and share what they do to help in their own communities. By doing this we will accomplish our only goal, to provide and learn new ideas and insight on how to combat illiteracy among the less fortunate.
Help us to spread the light of Literacy!
Help us to spread the light of Literacy!
Saturday 18 May 2013
Mission United4Literacy
CHILDREN ARE THE FUTURE OF OUR WORLD -
I hear this in North America so many times. A cliché that is overused completely. But what about so many countries around the world where there are children, but with no future, the forgotten and helpless without education. An education is not just a requirement by law, it is perhaps the most powerful tool a person can possess, and it is a right of every child according to the Convention of the Rights of a Child. But, unfortunately in many places around the world this right will remain a dream. Unless, we the children reach out and empower the forgotten, the child labourers and slaves in remote parts of Asia. They could bring change and solve other issues in our world. This initiative could drive a transformation of our world from a place to live in to a palace to live in. Empowering these Forgotten Children, that is our mission.
I hear this in North America so many times. A cliché that is overused completely. But what about so many countries around the world where there are children, but with no future, the forgotten and helpless without education. An education is not just a requirement by law, it is perhaps the most powerful tool a person can possess, and it is a right of every child according to the Convention of the Rights of a Child. But, unfortunately in many places around the world this right will remain a dream. Unless, we the children reach out and empower the forgotten, the child labourers and slaves in remote parts of Asia. They could bring change and solve other issues in our world. This initiative could drive a transformation of our world from a place to live in to a palace to live in. Empowering these Forgotten Children, that is our mission.
Wednesday 15 May 2013
The Difference between Something & Everything
If we all try to do SOMETHING, it can merge into EVERYTHING!
If we all try to do SOMETHING, it can merge into EVERYTHING!
Sunday 12 May 2013
Awareness among the school children
“THERE IS NO REASON, THERE IS NO EXCUSE, CHILD LABOUR IS JUST CHILD ABUSE” - One of the award winning slogans from a student of DAV School, Hehal, Ranchi. As part of “Unemployed and Happy” – a 45 Day campaign against Child Labour, DAV School organised a slogan writing competition on 10th May. The aim of the slogan competition was to generate awareness among the school children about the issues of child labour. After explaining the cause of child labour and the consequences, children were asked to present their views on this issue. Some of the views of participating children were quite impactful!Young children from Ranchi joined us in raising their voice against child labour and its your time. Say NO to child labour. Help us spread the word around by sharing this with your friends and family.
-Courtesy;Save the Children India.
Friday 10 May 2013
‘Our Images, Our Voices’ -A True Story!
“If I can follow my dreams, so can other children like me” says Firoza Khatun. Firoza dreams of being a big time photographer. But it wasn't always as easy to have such dreams. Because she hailed from a poor family, she had to work as a child domestic worker in order to support her family. She would go to school in the morning and then work in the afternoon for a small sum of Rs 350 per month. It was not easy juggling both school and work and it was not fair to the young girl.
A ray of hope was visible to her in 2006 when she went to a drop-in center of Save the Children in her neighbourhood Here, she learnt about her rights and started to believe in myself. Save the Children had organised a photography workshop called ‘Eye to Eye’ and she was selected for a training course. Here she developed her love for the camera and later joined an advanced course in photography.
October 20, 2011 was a special day in her life. Her first exhibition titled, ‘Our Images, Our Voices’ was opened in Kolkata. Now, Firoza wants to complete her studies and pursue a career in photography. She no longer works as a domestic help. There are many such Firoza’s in our country working as child labourers at an age when they should be studying and building a future for themselves.
How it all began!
Three guys sitting in the university of Berkeley back in 1991 said, we had the privilege of a good education. We should do all we can to give the same privilege to all those millions of under privileged kids in India. The ideas was so simple yet so powerful that Asha now is a 60 chapter strong organization that supports 250,000+ kids in India each year.
-Source Getting to know Asha - Part 4.
Discover a Leader Within!
Look inward before trying to change the world!
When leaders cultivate compassion by addressing the negativity within, they strengthen their ability to build compassion into the framework of their businesses. This, in turn, directly impacts the implementation of their mission. This requires humility—the recognition that, while compassion is intrinsic to our nature, few of us are completely free of negativity and, consequently, all of us have inner work to do.
When leaders cultivate compassion by addressing the negativity within, they strengthen their ability to build compassion into the framework of their businesses. This, in turn, directly impacts the implementation of their mission. This requires humility—the recognition that, while compassion is intrinsic to our nature, few of us are completely free of negativity and, consequently, all of us have inner work to do.
Investment for our Future!
Happy Provider Appreciation Day to all Early Care and Education Providers! Thank you for investing in our future!
TODAY
Today like millions of other Americans
I went to work. I didn't design a beautiful skyscraper,
I didn't write a proposal to save an endangered species,
and I didn't drive a bus or fly a plane,
or write a crucial bill that would someday become a law.
However, I did spend time with some very important people.
I read a story to an attorney,
I sang the alphabet song with a Supreme Court Justice.
I ate Lunch with a pastor,
and patted the back of an engineer until he fell asleep.
Taught a policeman how to tie his shoes,
and introduced an astronaut to the color red.
Tomorrow, who knows whom I'll meet,
but one thing is for sure.....
They will be very IMPORTANT
For they are our precious children,
and the hope of our very future.
~~~Author Unknown~~~
TODAY
Today like millions of other Americans
I went to work. I didn't design a beautiful skyscraper,
I didn't write a proposal to save an endangered species,
and I didn't drive a bus or fly a plane,
or write a crucial bill that would someday become a law.
However, I did spend time with some very important people.
I read a story to an attorney,
I sang the alphabet song with a Supreme Court Justice.
I ate Lunch with a pastor,
and patted the back of an engineer until he fell asleep.
Taught a policeman how to tie his shoes,
and introduced an astronaut to the color red.
Tomorrow, who knows whom I'll meet,
but one thing is for sure.....
They will be very IMPORTANT
For they are our precious children,
and the hope of our very future.
~~~Author Unknown~~~
Thursday 9 May 2013
Please Share your views!
The ASER 2012 report in Delhi evidences high enrolment, low learning levels, moderately high children-and-teacher attendance in school, withmany class II and IV children sitting in multi-grade classrooms, and a school infrastructure that is inching forward but a long way off from fully complying with RTE guidelines . Private input into primary education continues to rise, be it the growing private enrolment figures in the northern and some southern states, or high private tuition in the eastern states. Both have not been able to prevent the learning dip.The ASER report, over the last eight years, has generated a fair degree of debate.
But few have contested the main ASER finding - strong evidence for low learning levels among Indian children and indications of a declining trend since 2010. Commentators of ASER have several concerns. Some have likened the testing of children to "torture." Others are worried that the year-on-year data that shows consistent increase in enrolment in rural private schools will force government to rethink their policy and cut down on the SSA budget.
Some even exhort the Indian goverment to emulate the successful education model of Finland, where schooling from class I to IX is free of cost, and schools enjoy a great deal of autonomy over curriculum, evaluation and management. With their highachieving children being amongst the best in the world, the Finnish school system has become an object of envy the world over, and a curious case for many researchers.
But few have contested the main ASER finding - strong evidence for low learning levels among Indian children and indications of a declining trend since 2010. Commentators of ASER have several concerns. Some have likened the testing of children to "torture." Others are worried that the year-on-year data that shows consistent increase in enrolment in rural private schools will force government to rethink their policy and cut down on the SSA budget.
Some even exhort the Indian goverment to emulate the successful education model of Finland, where schooling from class I to IX is free of cost, and schools enjoy a great deal of autonomy over curriculum, evaluation and management. With their highachieving children being amongst the best in the world, the Finnish school system has become an object of envy the world over, and a curious case for many researchers.
India is still learning how to make 'learning' its central focus.
-Courtesy: Educationtimes.com
Pledge your support against Child Labour!
What does 'Unemployed and Happy' mean to children?It means children are able to attend school, have opportunities to play, receive affection from parents and enjoy their childhood. Basically, the kind of childhood that you would want your children should have.Children who are into employment are devoid of all these.
It is time their childhood was given back to them. Join our Anti-Child Labour Campaign. Join us on our Face book or just simply like us and pledge your support against child labour!
It is time their childhood was given back to them. Join our Anti-Child Labour Campaign. Join us on our Face book or just simply like us and pledge your support against child labour!
The Leader of Knowledge
- "I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold, service was joy."
- "Age considers; youth ventures"
- "The highest education is that which does not merely"
- "The object of education is to give man the unity of truth"
Tuesday 7 May 2013
Inspire a Nation
These are some very inspirational quotes by perhaps one of the most inspirational men in history. This man had a dream of a shining India, the same dream that we share. Said by the father of India: Mahatma Gandhi, we hope these quotes will inspire you to take action.
"Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live tomorrow."
"A small body of determined spirits fired by an unquenchable faith in their mission can alter the course of history."
"First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win."
"A man is but the product of his thoughts what he thinks, he becomes."
"A small body of determined spirits fired by an unquenchable faith in their mission can alter the course of history."
"First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win."
"A man is but the product of his thoughts what he thinks, he becomes."
Sunday 5 May 2013
Pledge your support against child labour.
If you are reading this,you must know you would have belong to a privileged percentage of world's population. You have been to school,learned to read and write,you have had time to play and nurture dreams for your future.However, there are more than 12.6 million children in India,with little hope for a happy childhood.Condemned to a life of labour,they never have chance to go to school or enjoy the company of their friends and family. These children can be found everywhere-in the "dhaba" near your office,sweeping in a neighbour's house,toiling in cotton fields exposed to hazardous chemicals and rolling "beedis" and "agarbattis"in factories.They are children who have lost the chance to study,lost the hope for a better life,lost a dream.
Like us on our Facebook to pledge your support against child labour.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/United-4-Literacyorg/563893630293412
-Source Save the Children India
Like us on our Facebook to pledge your support against child labour.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/United-4-Literacyorg/563893630293412
-Source Save the Children India
Friday 3 May 2013
Like us on Facebook
If you agree with our mission to spread literacy worldwide please become our friends and like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/United-4-Literacyorg/563893630293412. Change will only come through ideas, an idea by itself may be just and aspiration, but an idea when put into action becomes an inspiration. Be a part of this inspiration and change!
United4Literacy Has a New Look!
United4Literacy now has a new website. We have created a new interactive website for our viewers to visit and keep up with our efforts to spread literacy. Please visit our website united4literacy.org. Also, follow our posts on Facebook and be our friends on Facebook to join the literacy chain.
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