10 insights into the global literacy crisis, The Guardian

10 insights into the global literacy crisis

The Guardian: 3.3.2014 by Anna Leach

With one in four young people in developing countries illiterate, how can we address an international 'learning crisis'? Our panel of experts had plenty of ideas:

Catherine Jere, research officer, Unesco Education for All global monitoring report

There is a global shortage of teachers: Moving beyond access to improve the quality of education available to all is vital to address the learning crisis. Teachers are central to this. Support from NGOs in the area of teacher professional development, as well as pre-service education, can help build capacity within countries. I have seen examples of this in Malawi, where NGO-trained student teachers are well regarded by the schools where they are posted. An important approach in the training provided is ample experience of working in rural classrooms - and with communities - before being posted to schools.

Vikas Pota, chief executive, Varkey GemsFoundation

Get engaged: The crux of improving the quality of education lies in engagement – whether it be the engagement of parents by teachers, teachers of their students, or the engagement and training of teachers in effective learning techniques. However, there cannot be a one-size-fits-all model for improving the quality of learning. Interventions have to be tailored to the needs of specific situations.

Marguerite Clarke, senior education specialist, Human Development Network, World Bank

Raise the standing of teachers: One of the countries we're working with in Africa noted that it was more economically rewarding to join the army than become a teacher. When prospective teachers are sent this message, how can we be surprised that the cream of the crop are not going into teaching?

Sharath Jeevan, founder, Stir Education

How school can lead to jobs: The odds improve dramatically if you can create a more articulated pipeline between schooling and the workplace. One way to do this is through national qualifications frameworks that articulate the various skills and expertise recognised within that particular economy.  READ MORE !