6 Benefits Of Literacy In The Fight Against Poverty ▬ Concern USA

6 Benefits Of Literacy In The Fight Against Poverty

@Concern

Concern USA:  8.27.2020 by Olivia Giovetti

Literacy, as part of education, is a fundamental human right. Yet there are, according to UNESCO, 781 million illiterate adults (over the age of 15) around the globe. Over 63% of those adults are women. In countries like Niger, literacy rates are as low as 24%.

Fundamental human rights are just that — fundamental. These figures are also important because literacy (and numeracy) is one of the key ingredients to ending extreme poverty. As former UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova said in 2015: “The future starts with the alphabet.”

Here are 6 benefits of literacy as a tool for breaking the cycle of poverty.

1. LITERACY IMPROVES HEALTH

Literate patients also have an easier time following instructions from their doctors, and literacy is a key benefit during a health crisis.

2. LITERACY PROMOTES “LIFELONG LEARNING” AND BUILDS SKILLS

Literacy and numeracy are a prerequisite for a broader education. Students who struggle to read (often due to language barriers in the classroom) are more likely to drop out of school before they can complete a basic education. This can set off a vicious cycle: literacy rates increase as levels of completed schooling increase.

3. LITERACY IMPROVES THE ECONOMY AND CREATES JOBS

Literacy is a powerful tool against poverty. If all students in low-income countries had basic reading skills, 171 million people could escape extreme poverty. Illiteracy comes at a high price. According to the World Literacy Foundation, illiteracy costs the global economy $1.5 trillion annually.  READ MORE ➤➤

 

Automatic Readability Checker

Based on 7 readability formulas:

Grade Level: 9

Reading Level: difficult to read.

Reader's Age: 13-15 yrs. old

(Eighth and Ninth graders)