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The Power of Literacy
Reading and writing are superpowers. They help people communicate, find jobs, and learn about the world. Numeracy,
the ability to understand and work with numbers, is equally powerful. It’s a key skill for everyday tasks like shopping or
banking. These skills have ripple effects that impact various facets of development.

Research supports this. A study by the World Bank states that every year of schooling increases a person’s earnings by
10%. And, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) points out that literacy can
Fulfilling prosperous future for all.
boost a country’s economic growth. By investing in foundational literacy and numeracy, we invest in a brighter, more

SDG4 with

ALfA

By combining pedagogical expertise with technological innovations,

ALfA—Accelerating Learning for All accelerates the process of
learning, ensuring that the world’s children not only learn but do so

at a pace that aligns with the urgencies of our times

n the ever-evolving landscape of global development, better future. Yet, at the core of these 17 global goals
education stands as the bedrock of progress, the lies one crucial enabler: literacy. It’s an action with
keystone that supports a structure of equality, unparalleled return on investment. Whether it’s gender
empowerment, and enlightenment. With the United equality, reduced inequalities, good health, or quality
INations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 at education, the ability to read and understand sits at the
the heart of global educational objectives, the focus is heart of every single SDG. A globe surrounded by books, with symbols of various SDGs hovering around it,
clear: ensure inclusive and equitable quality education emphasizing the interconnectedness of literacy and global goals.
and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. And this connection extends to even seemingly
Yet, as imperative as this goal is, its realization requires unrelated SDGs. Consider SDG13, which targets climate
innovations that aren’t just transformative but are also action. An informed populace, equipped with literacy The challenge before us is daunting. UNESCO paints a concerning picture: 70% of the world’s 10-year-olds cannot read
agile and adaptive. skills, is better positioned to understand and act upon with comprehension. The task might seem insurmountable, but there are solutions on the horizon, and the challenges
the complexities of climate change. They can read,
Literacy is not just a foundational skill—it’s the lifeblood comprehend, and contribute to environmental solutions. we perceive can be converted into opportunities.
of sustainable development. As we grapple with the In essence, literacy amplifies the efforts to combat It questions the norms: if the problem is so vast and critical, why aren’t we addressing it with the urgency it deserves?
challenges of the modern world, the Sustainable climate challenges.
Development Goals (SDGs) provide a roadmap to a

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