Gospel for Asia

Adult literacy research is plentiful. Here are some statistics that stand out: Adult illiteracy is the most prevalent in South Asian, Arab and sub-Saharan African countries, where illiteracy rates are 40 to 50 percent. The illiteracy rate goes down to 10-15 percent in East Asia and Latin America. In developed countries, the illiteracy rate continues to fall to only a few percent. 1 However, these countries have challenges, too. For example, more than 36 million adults in the United States cannot read, write or do math above a third-grade level. Approximately 43 percent of illiterate adults in the United States live in poverty. Another interesting finding is how adult illiteracy impacts children. One study published study showed that children from highly educated families experience 30 million more words by the age of three than a child from a low-literate home. 2 A child’s future is greatly impacted by the literacy of his or her parents. GFA World points out that there are more tha...

When people ask “What is adult literacy,” it is important to start with the basic definition of literacy before adding the age description of “adult.” Literacy is the ability to “read, write, speak and listen, and use numeracy and technology, at a level that enables people to express and understand ideas and opinions, to make decisions and solve problems, to achieve their goals, and to participate fully in their community and in wider society.” “Adult” adds an additional element to the definition because the impact of daily life changes greatly if an adult isn’t able to read and write. Literate adults read food labels, street signs, medicine bottles, menu options and so much more. As the definition expressed, literacy goes beyond reading, writing, speaking and listening. It includes an understanding of numeracy and technology. This includes basic math skills, allowing people to accurately buy and sell in the marketplace. What is the result of literacy? According to the definition abo...

Adult literacy classes generally include teaching basic skills in reading, writing, math and language proficiency in order for participants to be productive members of society. Some programs also include problem-solving techniques or instruction in a particular area of the workforce. GFA World has been teaching adult literacy for decades in some of the poorest communities in Asia. More than one in three women in Asia are illiterate. These women are hindered from meeting their goals and others often taken advantage of because of their illiteracy. This is especially common in the marketplace. Illiterate adults are unable to help their children with schooling. They can’t read medical bottles, menus, labels, street signs or important paperwork. Being illiterate can be a detriment to one’s quality of life. It can also impact their hope for the future. When adults learn to read, all those negatives suddenly turn into positives! Adult literacy classes often include: Reading lessons, during ...

Have you ever wished there was a great miracle cure for poverty? Literacy, especially adult literacy, has been labeled such a great miracle cure! Why? Several factors go into this distinction. The definition of literacy itself gives us several concepts to consider: “ Literacy is the ability to read, write, speak and listen, and use numeracy and technology, at a level that enables people to express and understand ideas and opinions, to make decisions and solve problems, to achieve their goals, and to participate fully in their community and in wider society.” In villages where literacy is increasing, those areas are seeing social and economic gains. In a special report published by Gospel for Asia, Karen Mains explains: “Much data … gives good cause to make the assumption that learning to read and write is one of the ‘great miracle cures.’” Adult literacy resources empower people to improve their lives and enable them to participate fully in their culture and community. Illiteracy is a...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Poverty often has a negative impact on one’s ability to become literate and obtain education in general. Consider the following poverty and literacy statistics: “Globally, at least 773 million youth and adults still cannot read and write, and 250 million children are failing to acquire basic literacy skills,” according to UNESCO. “This results in an exclusion of low-literate and low-skilled youth and adults from full participation in their communities and societies.” 1 “In developing countries, approximately one in every two adults can’t read or write, with the situation only worse in the rural areas, especially for women and minors,” according to the Borgen Project. 2 “Factors linked to poverty such as unemployment, illness and the illiteracy of parents, multiply the risk of non-schooling and the drop-out rate of a child by [the age of] 2,” according to Humanium, an international NGO for children’s rights. 3 “53 percent of children in low- and middle-income countries cannot read and u...

Approximately 736 million people worldwide live below the poverty line, earning $1.90 a day or less. 1 1 Education can be crucial to overcoming poverty, especially in cases of generational poverty that are often linked to parents’ lack of education. Yet 773 million people over the age of 15 cannot read or write, and “250 million children are failing to acquire basic literacy skills,” according to UNESCO. 2 There are various literacy organizations that address this issue by helping such individuals attain the basic skills they need to rise out of abject poverty. In 1966, UNESCO established International Literacy Day to raise awareness and concern for literacy problems in communities across the globe to “remind the public of the importance of literacy as a matter of dignity and human rights.” 3 While this event raises awareness on a single day of the year, UNESCO and other organizations promote literacy and education throughout the year. Some organizations focus on educating children....

It’s estimated that one in every two adults in developing countries can’t read or write. 1 Literacy and education are closely linked to one’s economic opportunity, and their lack is closely linked to poverty and one’s inability to escape it. An organization helping people attain literacy is nonprofit GFA World. In pursuit of transforming lives and communities, this organization is helping families attain the education necessary to succeed. One way GFA World assists families is through its child sponsorship program. This program provides children basic necessities and educational assistance, ensuring they have a solid foundation for a brighter future. As of 2020, more than 139,000 impoverished children have been helped through GFA World’s Child Sponsorship Program. GFA World also has an adult literacy program. People who grow up in poverty often can’t afford to attend, or complete, school as children, and they are much less likely to gain literacy as adults. UNESCO estimates 750 mill...

In developing countries, there is a dearth of adult literacy. Approximately 773 million youth and adults cannot read or write. 1 This lack negatively impacts individual’s economic opportunities and many other facets of their life, including parents’ ability to properly care for their children. It also prevents adults from fully participating in their communities and societies. 2 Education typically begins in childhood. Reading, which children should be able to do by age 10, is a “gateway for learning,” declares The World Bank, a global institution fighting poverty through sustainable solutions. 3 It is essential to education and the opportunities it brings. Yet only half of children in low- and middle-income countries, and 20 percent in some poor countries, can read and understand a simple story by the end of primary school. 4 If people don’t gain these basic skills as children, they’re much less likely to do so as adults. Adult illiteracy can cause shame and embarrassment. It also ...

Poverty literacy statistics give us insight into geographic areas where literacy programs are most needed, where programs are effective, and how lives are changed when reading programs are utilized. Here are some statistics: Illiteracy is most prevalent in developing countries. 1 South Asian, Arab and Sub-Saharan African countries are regions with the highest illiteracy rates at about 40 to 50 percent. 1 East Asia and Latin America have illiteracy rates in the 10–15 percent region, while developed countries have illiteracy rates of a few percent. 1 “In many countries more than 95% have basic literacy skills. Literacy skills of the majority of the population is a modern achievement … Globally, however, large inequalities remain, notably between sub-Saharan Africa and the rest of the world. In Burkina Faso, Niger and South Sudan – the African countries at the bottom of the rank – literacy rates are still below 30%.” 2 “As a whole, the global literacy rate is high. The literacy rate for a...

The skills needed for reading and writing can be challenging to learn, especially as an adult. That’s why the methods literacy organizations use is so important. There needs to be phonemic awareness—an awareness of sounds used in a language. The student must also achieve an active vocabulary and understand spelling. And, of course, reading is useless without comprehension and being able to visualize what one is reading. 1 The women’s literacy classes supported by GFA are taught by women national workers who are trained in teaching adult literacy. This includes reading, writing, and basic math skills. When these classes are finished, the woman is capable of reading basic language and performing math skills needed in the marketplace. In these literacy classes, the teachers write letters and words, often using a chalkboard, to teach each student. They often guide the student’s hand and help them learn to hold a pencil to write those same words. When teaching adults, there is often more f...

A literacy nonprofit is a great cause to support. These organizations often rely on donations to fulfill their mission of teaching adults and children how to read. Here are some questions for you to consider: What regions do you work in? Most people who are illiterate live in developing countries, especially in the regions of south Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. At GFA World, we have served the people of Asia since 1979. We recently began ministry in Rwanda and look forward to reaching that area as well. Who teaches the literacy classes? Are the teachers trained in teaching adult literacy? This is an important question because teaching literacy to adults is a specialized skill set. It is also helpful to be familiar with the culture and needs of a particular community or people group. GFA workers and volunteers, mostly women, serve as teachers in GFA’s program, so students have the opportunity to grow. These women receive special training in how to teach literacy to adults. The teachers o...

Adult literacy is a primary factor in the fight against worldwide poverty. When adults are unable to read, it impacts their daily lives. They can’t read medicine bottles, road signs, legal papers, ingredients, menus, and so on. In a society that is strongly dependent on the written word, this leaves many without the understanding that comes from reading. What is literacy? “Literacy is the ability to read, write, speak and listen, and use numeracy and technology, at a level that enables people to express and understand ideas and opinions, to make decisions and solve problems, to achieve their goals, and to participate fully in their community and in wider society.” 1 Adult illiteracy impacts the whole family. Parents who are illiterate are unable to help their children with schoolwork, and oftentimes they consider education of little value. Illiterate adults are also unable to use technology effectively because they must be able to spell, read, and type letters in order to access much o...

Girls’ education in South Asia is improving. In 2006, 10.3 percent of girls (ages 11-14) in one South Asian country were not attending school. In 2018, that number had declined to only 4.1 percent. It is becoming more acceptable in this region for girls to attend school. This is due in part to the Right to Education (RTD) Act that guaranteed free education to all children in this country until age 14. [1] However, there is still a long way to go to see that this act is enforced. What is keeping some girls from attending school in South Asia? Because of financial strain on the family, many girls from poor families are made to do housework instead of attending school. Often, mothers go to the fields to do agricultural work to help with the family’s income, which leaves the housework to the daughters of the family. [2] Marriage also keeps girls from education. In some countries of South Asia, as many as 47 percent of girls are wed before the age of 18 preventing them from attending schoo...

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) defines child marriage as “a formal or informal union where one or both parties are under the age of 18.” [1] Around the world, an estimated 12 million girls are married each year before their 18th birthday. Education of the girl child is essential to lowering this number since it is one of the keys to preventing child marriage. According to UNESCO, enabling all girls to have a primary education would reduce child marriage rates by a sixth. [2] When girls stay in school, they can develop a foundation for a better life for themselves and for their family. Access – Education needs to be made available to girls. This includes reducing the cost of education or substantially helping families who are unable to afford the fees and supplies. It also requires schools to provide appropriate sanitation and hygiene facilities for girls. Knowledge – School curriculum and training must empower girls to see an alternative to early marr...

The level of a girl child’s education significantly impacts her future and the future of her family. This is especially true in developing countries where many girls are unable to attend school. Sometimes the school lacks the sanitation facilities that a girl requires or her family simply cannot afford to send her to school. No matter the situation, a lack of education often keeps girls stuck in the cycle of poverty. Here are some ways education can dramatically impact a girl’s future: Education delays marriage. This may seem insignificant, but in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, it is crucial as it impacts child marriage rates. When girls are in school, they are less likely to marry prior to age 18. [1] Education significantly increases lifetime earnings. [2] This benefits individuals as well as communities. Millions of educated girls could boost global economy by up to $12 trillion USD. [3] Educated women are also better able to provide for their families and help them out of po...

Over 250 million women in Asia are illiterate. [1] Much data indicates that learning to read and write is one of the great miracle cures of poverty. [2] When you sponsor a girl’s education, you are providing a resource that will impact her for life. It will also impact her family and community for generations to come. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) identifies the impact of education in their report: “Literacy is … a driver for sustainable development in that it enables greater participation in the labour market; improved child and family health and nutrition; reduces poverty and expands life opportunities.” [3] Approximately one-third of South Asian girls do not attend school, and in some regions only one in four girls attend primary school. [4] This lack of school attendance is one driver that keeps the poverty cycle spinning generation after generation. When a parent didn’t attend school, they are less likely to send their children to...