GREATEST EDUCATION EMERGENCY

An Invitation to Partner

We invite your partnership to address India’s greatest education emergency.

Foundational Literacy & Numeracy (FLN) the chief educational calamity worldwide and in India, as 70% of 10-year-olds in low-and-middle-income countries lack the ability to read, write, or perform basic arithmetic (UNICEF). The Annual Status of Education Report (ASER 2022) alarmingly indicates that India's educational progress has regressed to its 2012 levels due to the Covid pandemic. The subsequent recovery in literacy gains has been less than satisfactory, which poses a significant threat to the future of millions of children and, by extension, to India's economy. Therefore, proactive measures must be undertaken to address this looming educational crisis swiftly and effectively.

Literacy Investment and 10X Good

High returns on investment in literacy

Investing in literacy, especially foundational literacy and numeracy (FLN), a grade 3 level proficiency in reading, writing and arithmetic, has a significant return on investment. Studies have shown that investing in literacy programs can have a positive impact on a wide range of social and economic indicators, including health, income, and productivity. In this sense, literacy can be seen as 10 times more valuable than other forms of investment.

There is a need for greater investment in literacy programs. Literacy is not just a basic skill, but a person's ability to succeed in life. When someone can read and write, they are better able to access information, communicate with others, and engage in activities that require literacy skills. This can lead to greater opportunities for education, employment, and social mobility. In this sense, literacy has a significant impact that is "multiplied" by ten or more.

When someone can read and write, they are better able to learn and develop other skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication. This can lead to greater opportunities for personal and professional growth, and can also contribute to a more innovative and productive society. In this sense, literacy can be seen as 10 times more impactful than other skills.

Another aspect of human capital that has received little attention is adult literacy. This is a critical input into the educational process and is related to better health outcomes, as well as higher earnings and productivity. However, adult literacy levels in Africa are among the lowest in the world, with only 52 percent of the adult population able to read and write.

These quotes below emphasize the importance of literacy and the positive impact it can have on individuals and society as a whole.

"Every dollar invested in literacy returns $7 to the economy" - UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) "Investing in literacy is investing in human capital and is one of the surest ways to break the cycle of poverty" - Kofi Annan, former Secretary-General of the United Nations "Investment in education is the most important investment a country can make in its future" - World Bank "The economic cost of illiteracy is staggering. Illiterate individuals are more likely to be poor, unemployed, and to lack basic healthcare, all of which lower their household income and ability to participate in the economy" (World Literacy Foundation, 2016). "A 1% increase in the number of literate individuals in a country leads to an increase in GDP of 1.5%" (UNESCO, 2019). "Improving literacy rates is a critical step in reducing poverty and promoting economic growth. One extra year of schooling can increase an individual's earning power by 10% on average" (OECD, 2019). "Literacy also has positive social outcomes, such as increased civic engagement, political participation, and social cohesion" (UNESCO, 2018). "Literacy is a bridge from misery to hope. It is a tool for daily life in modern society. It is a bulwark against poverty, and a building block of development, an essential complement to investments in roads, dams, clinics and factories" - Kofi Annan, former Secretary-General of the United Nations "Literacy is a key factor in achieving economic and social development, as it is associated with higher earnings and better employment opportunities. Literacy also has a positive impact on health and social participation, as well as on women's empowerment and gender equality." - UNESCO “Literacy is one of the most fundamental skills for succeeding in a rapidly changing world, and low levels of literacy can be a significant barrier to employment and economic opportunities. In addition, improved literacy has been linked to better health outcomes, higher earnings, and greater social and civic participation.” - WORLD BANK "Low levels of literacy can have a significant impact on individuals' lives, limiting their opportunities for employment and economic mobility. In contrast, high levels of literacy are associated with higher earnings, better health outcomes, and greater social and civic participation." OECD "Illiteracy is a significant barrier to economic development, limiting individuals' opportunities for employment and income generation. In addition, low levels of literacy are associated with poorer health outcomes, lower civic engagement, and reduced social and cultural participation." - World Literacy Foundation

Literacy of Adolescent Girls & Women

While specific figures may vary based on the context and the methodology of the study, there is evidence to suggest that investing in the literacy of women and adolescent girls can have significant returns both in terms of their individual well-being and the overall economic and social benefits on their lives, communities, and economies.

These quotes below emphasize the importance of literacy of girls and women, and the positive impact it can have on individuals and society as a whole.

"Educate a girl, and you educate a community." - African proverb "The return on investment for every dollar spent on a girl's education can be as high as $10 in some developing countries." - United Nations Population Fund "Investing in girls' education is the very best thing we can do, not just for them, but for everyone. When girls are educated, they lead healthier and more productive lives. They earn more money. They have fewer children. And they build stronger communities." - Former First Lady Michelle Obama "When women are educated, they are more likely to earn higher wages and participate in the formal labor market. This has a ripple effect on their families and communities, as they are more likely to invest in their children's education, health, and nutrition. Studies have shown that investing in women's education and employment can lead to returns of up to 35 percent on investment." - World Bank "Providing literacy skills to adolescent girls has the potential to improve their lives and those of their families and communities. By one estimate, for every dollar invested in girls' education, there is a return of $2.80 in increased economic productivity." - UNESCO "Educated girls are less likely to marry early and against their will; less likely to die in childbirth; more likely to have healthy babies; and are more likely to send their children to school. When all children have access to a quality education rooted in human rights and gender equality, it creates a ripple effect of opportunity that influences generations to come." - Malala Yousafzai, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and education activist "Investing in women and girls has a multiplier effect on productivity, efficiency, and sustained economic growth." - World Bank "When adolescent girls are educated, healthy and empowered, they can break the cycle of poverty, and help create more stable, secure and prosperous societies." - United Nations Population Fund

References:

  • World Literacy Foundation. (2016). The Economic and Social Cost of Illiteracy: A Snapshot of Illiteracy in a Global Context. Melbourne: World Literacy Foundation.
  • UNESCO. (2019). Global Education Monitoring Report 2019: Migration, displacement and education: Building bridges, not walls. Paris: UNESCO.
  • OECD. (2019). OECD Skills Outlook 2019: Thriving in a Digital World. Paris: OECD Publishing.
  • UNESCO. (2018). Reading in the mobile era: A study of mobile reading in developing countries. Paris: UNESCO.
  • Bloom, D. E., & Sachs, J. D. (1998). Geography, demography, and economic growth in Africa. Brookings Papers on Economic Activity, 2, 207-296.
  • World Bank. (2019). World Development Report 2019: The Changing Nature of Work. Washington, DC: World Bank.
  • UNESCO. (2013). Teaching and Learning: Achieving Quality for All. Paris: UNESCO.
  • OECD. (2019). OECD Skills Outlook 2019: Thriving in a Digital World. Paris: OECD Publishing.
  • World Literacy Foundation. (2016). The Economic and Social Cost of Illiteracy: A Snapshot of Illiteracy in a Global Context. Melbourne: World Literacy Foundation.