The G8 Summit’s Commitment to Literacy
In April of 2000 the World Education Forum gathered in Dakar, Senegal and formed the Framework for Action on Education for All (EFA). The EFA promoted the importance of education in the pursuit of empowering individuals to positively change society. Since its creation, the EFA has played a large role in the eradication of illiteracy around the world. Since 2004, the G8 has been committed to the EFA’s goal of universal education. Between September of 2004 and June of 2009, the G8 have contributed over six billion dollars towards the EFA and universal education. Closely aligning with ProLiteracy’s mission to use literacy to combat poverty, the 2009 G8 Summit argued, “Basic education is a key factor in poverty reduction”. Further, the G8 promoted the importance of inclusive education that focuses on education for women and marginalized groups. In the G8’s declaration, Responsible Leadership for a More Sustainable Future, education and vocational training are “…crucial for a sustainable re