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Foundational Literacy and Failure to bridge the gap between the illiterate and the literate will
Numeracy (FLN) stands at the core widen the divide even further, creating a stark contrast between those
of the Sustainable Development who can leverage AI and those left behind. Moreover, the historical
Fast-Tracking skill that empowers individuals investment (ROI), estimated at seven times the initial investment. The
significance of literacy is underscored by its impressive return on
Goals (SDGs). It is an essential
to actively participate in various
costs of slow progress of literacy are colossal, and unimaginable.
domains of life, such as education,
Mother-tongue employment, health, gender
equality, and poverty reduction.

The COVID-19 pandemic
has further exacerbated the
Literacy in the already huge literacy challenge.

Disturbingly, in many countries
like the Democratic Republic of
Congo and the Philippines, 90%
Age of AI & of 10-year-olds cannot read a
simple text with comprehension.
Only 30% of 10-year-olds can read
(UNICEF). The recovery from this
setback is a critical priority, then
Climate Change going beyond pre-Covid levels
of literacy to attaining universal
literacy as fast as possible.

- By Dr. Sunita Gandhi
ALfA emphasizes learning in pairs.

Accelerating n the age of AI and climate literacy equips people with the The urgency for global literacy One system that exemplifies
has never been greater,
the efficacy of evidence-based
foundational literacy change, the need for fast- knowledge and critical thinking reminiscent of the time when approaches is ALfA (Accelerating
tracking foundational literacy
skills necessary to understand
in the age of AI and becomes even more crucial. the consequences of climate people had to adapt to the newly Learning for All). The pedagogy
climate change is I Climate change poses change, protect their families industrializing world during the encourages learners to discover
facts independently, using
Industrial Revolution. To address
unprecedented challenges that
and communities from the
vital for empowering require informed and engaged consequences of climate change, this challenge, policymakers, their visual understanding of
individuals and individuals to drive sustainable and actively participate in climate educators, and stakeholders must the environment and cognitive
prioritize foundational literacy
connections to scaffold learning
solutions. Foundational
action initiatives.
communities to to unlock its transformative from simple to complex. ALfA
address urgent potential. emphasizes learning in pairs and
organizes learning experiences
challenges By equipping individuals with from known to unknown,
the ability to read, write, and collaborate, exchange knowledge,
comprehend, foundational literacy and co-create their learning. By
lays the groundwork for their doing so, it fast-tracks learning. It
The literacy gap is stark and real. active engagement in addressing further fosters inclusive societies,
Literacy is at the heart of all SDGs and climate action. It is one action that can bridge the digital
divide in the age of AI. Mother-tongue literacy need not take years as it has taken in the past. the global challenges outlined in empowers individuals, and helps
New methods and a vastly more transformative pedagogy are capable of filling the literacy gap the SDGs. build a future focused on the
within weeks.
collective good.

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