Global Literacy Matters

Tens of thousands of previously non-literate Afghans can now read, thanks to the five-year NATO-led $200 million literacy program for the Afghan national security forces. With fewer than 28 percent of adults who can read and write, non-literacy in Afghanistan is exacerbated by decades of war and disruptions in public education. Non-literacy among Afghans of military age was a major hurdle for the NATO coalition in Afghanistan, as recruits couldn't follow basic written instructions or read manuals for new weapons and equipment. NATO set up a course to teach basic reading skills to expand literacy among the new Afghan army and police forces. More than 220,000 members have been trained in basic reading and more than 70,000 have achieved a level of functional literacy. 50,000 more recruits are in the program currently, and the Afghan government plans to continue the program after the end of NATO involvement next year. Fewer than 1 million Afghan children were enrolled in school i...

International Literacy Day Albania “Youth Intellectuals, Hope” (IRSH) ProLiteracy partners with "Youth, Intellectuals, Hope" (IRSH) in Albania. IRSH is an active NGO that has been a strong presence in Albania since 1994. IRSH is involved with a variety of community-based youth and education projects. IRSH addresses the needs of orphans and other populations while dealing with gender, corruption, human rights and conflict resolution issues including the serious problem of “blood feuding” that is prevalent in Albania. IRSH is using ProLiteracy’s Literacy for Social Change to address many of these issues to help build peace in the Balkans. By donating to ProLiteracy right now, you will help these women and children receive the tools necessary to learn and prosper such as educational materials and supplies that are focused on conflict resolution and peace building. Our goal is to raise just $220 a day as we countdown to International Literacy Day on September 8, 2009. Help us h...