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Adult Literacy: Research Starters

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Adult literacy is a worldwide problem that impacts millions of people, particularly in developing countries, with women often disproportionately affected. It’s a vast, complex subject, but if you’re looking to delve into adult literacy research, here are some quick facts to help you get started: UNESCO recently reported, “14 percent of adults worldwide lack basic reading and writing skills” and “women continue to have lower proficiency in literacy compared to men.” 1 That’s 750 million adults. 2 According to The Borgen Project, “In developing countries, approximately one in every two adults can’t read or write, with the situation only worse in the rural areas.” 3 “Literacy is critical for promoting and communicating sustainable development and improving the capacity of people to address environment and development issues,” says the United Nations. “It facilitates the achievement of environmental and ethical awareness, values, and skills consistent with sustainable development and eff...
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What is Adult Literacy?

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Statistics indicate 781 million adults lack basic literacy skills. 1 Illiteracy is most prevalent in developing countries, with one in every two adults lacking such skills. 2 But what does that mean? What is adult literacy? The specific definition of literacy can vary by culture and time period. 3 Most statistics regarding adult literacy include individuals aged 15 and older. Literacy generally refers to basic reading and writing skills as well as the ability to perform simple math calculations, also called numeracy. The specific skill level required to achieve “literacy” varies according to the specific definition used. 4 In the 1930s and 1940s, for instance, literacy referred simply to the ability to read and write a message, but more recent definitions focus on effective application of these skills, or “functional literacy.” 5 According to UNESCO, “Literacy is the ability to identify, understand, interpret, create, communicate and compute, using printed and written materials ass...
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Adult Literacy Classes Impact Women in Asia

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Illiteracy, which impacts 781 million adults worldwide, represents a tremendous detriment in a person’s life. 1 In addition to limiting economic opportunities, it affects everyday activities such as shopping and navigating streets. Women in developing regions are disproportionately impacted by illiteracy, with the lowest literacy rates being among women in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. 2 Adult literacy classes can be life-changing for these women. Women represent two-thirds of the world’s illiterate population. 3 This reality stems partially from poverty-related gender gaps. If impoverished families can’t afford school costs for all their children, they are more likely to send the boys. 4 As a result of this gender inequality, which is more prevalent in low-income countries, 15 million girls—compared to 10 million boys—won’t have the chance to attend school. 5 Many of these girls will become illiterate women. As mothers, illiterate women are hindered in their ability to proper...
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Adult Literacy and Poverty

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Adult literacy has a significant impact on a person’s ability to break the cycle of poverty for themselves and their family. Illiteracy limits economic opportunities, inhibits a parent’s ability to properly care for their children and often perpetuates the cycle of poverty. There are currently 781 million illiterate adults worldwide, a problem that is most prevalent in developing regions such as South Asia and Africa. 1 With limited job opportunities, illiterate adults are often restricted to manual labor jobs that yield meager incomes. Many daily wage laborers in developing countries are among the 736 million people worldwide, as of 2015, who earn $1.90 a day or less. 2 For every year of education, earnings typically increase by 10 percent, and perhaps even more in low-income countries or for women. 3 The world’s lowest literacy rates are among women in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. 4 Their illiteracy affects not only their economic opportunities but also their ability to care f...
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Can We Share Jesus’ Love Through a Clean Water Christian Organization?

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Water is so critical to our existence that it has become a symbol for life itself. The Bible speaks of the “water of life” in John 4 and calls Jesus the Living Water. It’s no surprise that water is an important part of many Christian organizations. God is using GFA World, a clean water Christian organization, to spread the message of this Living Water. For over 20 years, we’ve used water to bring Jesus’ love to communities across South Asia. When a local missionary sees a need for a well, we provide a well through the generosity of our donors. These wells are called Jesus Wells. GFA pastor Kirk was very aware of the illnesses that came from unclean water in a neighboring village, so he started praying for a resolution. One man in particular touched Pastor Kirk’s heart. His name was Laul, and he was often plagued with typhoid fever, a waterborne illness. He struggled with fever and aches. The doctors were unable to help, and his illness stole away his livelihood, which sent his family i...
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Is a Clean Water Initiative Effective for Poverty Reduction?

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Yes. Since 1979, GFA World has been serving in South Asia and has witnessed firsthand how a clean water initiative has had a life-changing impact on numerous communities. In 2019, over 12,243 BioSand water filters were given to families in Asia through GFA and their partners. GFA has drilled a cumulative total of more than 30,000 wells throughout Asia in areas of need. How do these clean water initiatives impact poverty among families and communities? The World Health Organization says improved water supply, sanitation and better management of resources “can boost countries’ economic growth and can contribute greatly to poverty reduction.” 1 Health improves Clean water provides health benefits to entire communities. Not only does it hydrate, but it also prevents waterborne disease that resides in contaminated water. With fresh clean water, a community is protected from diarrhea, cholera, dysentery and other waterborne diseases. Income and education potential Often the burden of water c...
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What Role Do Toilets Have in A Clean Water Project?

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Toilets are an important but often overlooked part of a clean water project. It’s estimated that over 2 billion people in the world do not have access to a toilet, latrine or other sanitation facility. In these areas, people often go out to the fields to relieve themselves. Open defecation is part of everyday life for 673 million people. Open defecation increases a person’s risk for diseases like cholera, typhoid, dysentery, hepatitis A, polio and diarrhea. 1 This practice is also unsafe, and women often face harassment and assault. 2 Pamela is one of those 673 million. Her family would walk to a field to relieve themselves. But Pamela worried. Would her daughter, Aalia, be ok during the day if she needed to go to the field by herself? Aalia suffered from seizures, and it wasn’t safe for her to go to the field alone. Pamela worried that Aalia would have a seizure far from home and not be able to return home. Or even worse, be assaulted along the path. One day, local GFA pastor Raanan ...
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