124 Million children and teens around the world are not in school. War, natural disasters, illness and poverty keep children from learning everyday. One in four young people living in poor countries is unable to read a single sentence.
Education is a powerful tool that can change lives of people but it's a pathetic condition that in 21st century there are a few countries where people are still illiterate. Illiteracy brings misfortune with it as such a person can't become self-dependent in life. Children are the worst sufferers as they had to skip school due to poverty and other family reasons. Young girls are kept at home to look after other siblings so that parents may earn to fill stomachs of the whole family. Without education such children lag behind and lack essential skills to establish in life. Their sufferings begin with illiteracy and throughout their life, they are exploited.
- In the United States, more than 40 percent of adults with very low literacy live in poverty.
- More than 70 percent of the U.S. prison population cannot read above a fourth grade level.
- One in the five Americans read below the level needed to earn a living wage.
The Causes of Illiteracy-
- Illiteracy among parents: Many illiterate parents do not put much emphasis on the importance of education. Several of those born to illiterate parents end up being illiterate.
- Lack of family support: When family does not understand the difficulty faced by child in reading or writing and also the importance of education.
- Unemployment of the educated: When despite higher education people do not get better jobs, they feel disheartened and illiterate persons also don't feel inclined to send their children to schools.
- Lack of awareness: : In places where several members of the local population do not understand why it is important for them to go to school, the level of illiteracy may be high. Disinterest in the benefits of formal learning can also be caused by lack of awareness on the importance of going to school.
- Social barriers: Many social barriers such as restrictions on girls’ education in some societies lead to illiteracy among the affected segment of the population.. Forcing children into marriage is another social issue that causes illiteracy in the community.
- Lack of affordable education facilities: Those who live in very remote areas with few or no education facilities may remain illiterate. The nearest school might be found several miles away. Instead of going through the tiresome process of walking for long distances on a daily basis just to go to school, many choose to stay at home.
- Poverty: : Poor parents with low incomes find it difficult to pay school fees. They are forced to choose between providing basic needs such as food, shelter and clothing and taking their children to school.
Effects of Illiteracy-
Illiteracy not only affects illiterate ones, but also those who are in contact with such persons and their entire community.
- Illiteracy affects the future of a child. When such children grow up, they are unable to support themselves. They depend on support from family, friends and the government. Society's limited resources are used to take care of illiterate people and their families. It impoverishes society.
- High illiteracy rate compels such persons to commit crimes due to necessity. Illiterate people unknowingly break the law.
- Illiteracy rates increases poverty in society. Illiterate persons earn low wages and thus cannot support themselves and their families.
- Illiterate persons seldom promote literacy to their children. Their children may grow up as illiterate persons. Thus, illiteracy leads to generational learning problems. Following generation may also struggle with basic reading and writing skills.
- Illiteracy leads to high unemployment rates in a society. Shrinking job markets make it impossible for illiterate persons to find job according to their low level skills.
- Illiterate children are financial burdens on school systems. They need aid and other resources. Schools have to spend additional money on such children.
- Illiteracy increases use of drugs and alcohol as illiterate people turn to alcohol and drugs when they are frustrated.
- Illiteracy leads to poor health as illiterate people do not have knowledge of ways to stay healthy. They cannot read health guidelines or instructions regarding a disease.
- Illiteracy may lead to low self-esteem in uneducated persons. Such persons will be isolated from the mainstream and feel ashamed.
- Illiterate people lack the essential skills to keep up with technological advancements. Due to them the society lags behind.
Solutions to control Illiteracy-
- Free Education-The provision of free education in schools, colleges, and universities by the government can play a major role in reducing the level of illiteracy in a country by getting more people to school.
- Awareness -Creating awareness about the importance of education can help people understand why they need to go to school. Non-governmental organizations, government agencies, and other concerned parties should put in place deliberate measures to create awareness in the society and reduce the number of people who are unable to read and write.
- Grants -Offering grants, subsidies, and scholarships can reduce the financial burden that parents and students bear in paying for education. It would make it possible for students to learn without interrupting their education due to lack of school fees.
- Late night classes -Working people can opt for late night classes. In this way, they can learn even as they earn income through their daytime jobs.
- Free books- The government and different foundations can offer free books in schools to encourage students to develop a reading culture. Offering free books can also reduce the financial burden placed on parents in the provision of textbooks.
- Digitization- Creating digital platforms for reading and learning can help reduce illiteracy in the society. It can also help take care of the challenge of shortage of education facilities. Digital libraries can provide a good platform for those who live far away from urban centers to expand their knowledge base and become more informed.
- Lower educational cost -By lowering the cost of education, the government can make it easier for people to study up to the highest level possible.
The value of education cannot be underestimated.Going to schools plays a major role in the mental as well as social development of a child. The lessons learned and the experiences that a child goes through while in school prepares him or her for life in the society. One can learn problem-solving skills and develop social intelligence necessary to overcome everyday life challenges. The more the number of children who have gone to school, the better the community. Every child should aspire to be educated and gain knowledge because of the important benefits of being literate.
