Literacy: Why, What, Where, How

Literacy: Why, What, Where, How

A person aged seven and above, who can both read and write with any understanding in any language, is treated as literate. 

Our focus today is India. As per 2001 Census of India, the overall literacy rate of India was 65.38%. The difference between the highest and the lowest literacy rate in India was very high. Kerala has the highest literacy rate which is 90.92 %, while Bihar has the lowest with 47.53 %. Bihar’s literacy rate in 2011 was 63.8%. That is a rapid and large improvement in 10 years. In Kerala the literacy still remains the highest with 93.9% literacy among the population.

If children could be sent to school more in these states of India, the literacy rates would increase in the next few years and more children could be prevented from falling the viscous cycle of poverty or child labour. Most children cannot afford to go to basic primary school because of the small number government schools, high school supply costs, and privatization of education. Education has become a business in some areas of the world. Books are not provided nor are any other basic supplies. If we could provide these basic supplies for children within our own communities or in areas of low literacy, we could give those children a chance to learn and live free in pursuit of their dreams. If you have contributed already or would like to do so please let us know.

-United4Literacy