Literacy in Africa

Today is International Literacy Day.  The English word ‘literacy’ has a simple definition – the ability to read and write. Literacy in Africa is essential to development and prosperity.  Reading and writing is crucial in functioning and navigating in the world in all stages of life. The ability to read and write is a human right. Yet 38 percent of people in Africa are illiterate. Two thirds of them are women.

 

Literacy in Africa

The African continent has the lowest literacy rate in compared to the rest of the world.

 

The literacy gap in Africa thus results from inequality‚ but also exacerbates it. Although literacy rates are improving around the continent, it is happening too slow and unevenly.

Rural vs urban

The rural population in Africa has been left behind in many ways. Especially in education.

 

 

Men vs women

Two thirds of African people who are illiterate are women. Women who cannot read or write are significantly more disadvantaged economically and socially, with unequal access to and engagement with education, jobs, and healthcare. Literacy for women is crucial not only for herself but, also for those around her. The literacy of women impacts future generations. Literate women are more likely to send their children, especially their girls, to school. Literacy in women also leads to better child and maternal health.

 

 

Why literacy in Africa is low?

Inadequate school libraries

Often libraries are simple, at best, or inadequate. Further these libraries lack suitable books in their own mother tongues.

 

No reading culture and bad teaching

Africa is the only continent where more than half of parents are not able to help their children with homework due to illiteracy. Most parents don’t read to their children, mainly because they themselves are not literate. This problem is compounded by the lack of affordable books written in their African home language. One must remember that English is a minority home language on the continent. Within the middle class, parents are not reading to their children as reading is treated as a lower-order activity.

 

Low quality of training for teachers of reading

The teaching training curriculum is often outdated. Further most teachers avoid foundation level teach (where reading and writing is taught) because of poor salaries.

 

High cost of books

According to the World Bank 43 percent of Africa are poor (2012). Simply put, most parents cannot afford to buy books for their children. Buying books is not essential but luxury item.

 

 

Ways to improve literacy in Africa
  • Power up the public-private partnership with the promotion of new methods and successful private initiatives.
  • Increase funding to foundation classes and libraries.
  • Add more training courses: this will give learners more options on how to contribute to society.
  • Improve the living and working conditions of literacy staff: this will encourage them to be more involved at work. It also prevents brain drain.
  • Politically committed governments and better governance of literacy led by African Heads of State: this could increase funding for literacy programs.
  • Gender mainstreaming and positive discrimination strategies in support of women and other specific underprivileged groups, especially in rural areas, in the different literacy programs.

She is Africa is a free, informative website. If you find value in any of my content, please consider making a donation to keep She is Africa running.

231 Comments

Add yours →

  1. Wow that was unusual. I just wrote an incredibly long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t show up. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyhow, just wanted to say fantastic blog!

  2. Thanks for another excellent post. Where else could anybody get that type of information in such a perfect way of writing? I’ve a presentation next week, and I’m on the look for such info.

  3. Nice read, I just passed this onto a colleague who was doing a little research on that. And he just bought me lunch because I found it for him smile Therefore let me rephrase that: Thanks for lunch!

  4. Definitely, what a great blog and revealing posts, I will bookmark your website.Have an awsome day!

  5. Woah! I’m really digging the template/theme of this blog. It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s very hard to get that “perfect balance” between user friendliness and visual appeal. I must say that you’ve done a amazing job with this. Additionally, the blog loads extremely fast for me on Opera. Outstanding Blog!

  6. I have been browsing on-line greater than 3 hours these days, but I by no means found any interesting article like yours. It¡¦s lovely worth sufficient for me. Personally, if all webmasters and bloggers made just right content material as you did, the net can be a lot more useful than ever before.

  7. Someone essentially help to make critically articles I’d state. That is the first time I frequented your web page and to this point? I amazed with the research you made to create this particular post extraordinary. Fantastic job!

  8. It’s in point of fact a great and useful piece of info. I’m glad that you shared this helpful information with us. Please keep us informed like this. Thank you for sharing.

  9. I genuinely enjoy reading through on this site, it has got wonderful articles . “One doesn’t discover new lands without consenting to lose sight of the shore for a very long time.” by Andre Gide.

  10. Very nice post. I just stumbled upon your weblog and wanted to say that I have truly enjoyed surfing around your blog posts. In any case I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again soon!

  11. Thanks for helping out, excellent information.

  12. I regard something truly interesting about your web site so I saved to fav.

  13. Some truly great articles on this site, appreciate it for contribution. “Such evil deeds could religion prompt.” by Lucretius.

  14. Hey very nice web site!! Man .. Beautiful .. Amazing .. I will bookmark your website and take the feeds also…I’m happy to find numerous useful information here in the post, we need work out more strategies in this regard, thanks for sharing. . . . . .

  15. Very good written article. It will be useful to everyone who utilizes it, as well as me. Keep up the good work – i will definitely read more posts.

  16. hello!,I love your writing very much! share we keep in touch more about your article on AOL? I need an expert on this space to unravel my problem. May be that’s you! Looking forward to see you.

  17. Howdy! I simply wish to give an enormous thumbs up for the good information you have right here on this post. I will likely be coming back to your weblog for extra soon.

  18. Oh my goodness! Awesome article dude! Thank you, However I am going through problems with your RSS. I don’t know why I am unable to subscribe to it. Is there anybody having identical RSS problems? Anyone that knows the answer can you kindly respond? Thanks!!

  19. Hello. excellent job. I did not anticipate this. This is a fantastic story. Thanks!

  20. I got what you intend, thanks for posting .Woh I am happy to find this website through google. “You must pray that the way be long, full of adventures and experiences.” by Constantine Peter Cavafy.

  21. Awesome post. I’m a normal visitor of your website and appreciate you taking the time to maintain the excellent site. I’ll be a regular visitor for a long time.

  22. Way cool! Some very valid points! I appreciate you writing this article and the rest of the website is also very good.

  23. Awesome post. I’m a regular visitor of your blog and appreciate you taking the time to maintain the nice site. I will be a regular visitor for a long time.

  24. Awesome write-up. I am a regular visitor of your website and appreciate you taking the time to maintain the nice site. I will be a frequent visitor for a long time.

  25. Just wish to say your article is as amazing. The clearness in your post is just spectacular and i can assume you are an expert on this subject. Fine with your permission allow me to grab your RSS feed to keep updated with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please keep up the gratifying work.

  26. Hiya, I’m really glad I have found this information. Nowadays bloggers publish only about gossip and web stuff and this is actually irritating. A good web site with exciting content, that is what I need. Thank you for making this web-site, and I will be visiting again. Do you do newsletters by email?

  27. Hello there. I discovered your website via Google even as searching for a related matter, your site came up. It looks great. I have bookmarked it in my google bookmarks to visit then.

  28. Hey there. I found your site by means of Google while looking for a comparable matter, your web site came up. It appears to be good. I have bookmarked it in my google bookmarks to come back then.

  29. I couldn’t resist commenting. Very well written!

  30. Hello my family member! I wish to say that this post is awesome, nice written and come with approximately all important infos. I would like to peer extra posts like this .

  31. Awesome write-up. I am a regular visitor of your website and appreciate you taking the time to maintain the nice site. I’ll be a frequent visitor for a really long time.

  32. Spot on with this write-up, I really feel this site needs far more attention. I’ll probably be back again to see more, thanks for the info.

  33. Good post. I study one thing tougher on different blogs everyday. It should at all times be stimulating to learn content material from different writers and observe a bit of one thing from their store. I’d desire to make use of some with the content material on my blog whether or not you don’t mind. Natually I’ll give you a hyperlink on your net blog. Thanks for sharing.

  34. Greetings! Very useful advice within this post! It’s the little changes that make the biggest changes. Many thanks for sharing!

  35. you are in reality a excellent webmaster. The web site loading velocity is incredible. It sort of feels that you’re doing any unique trick. Furthermore, The contents are masterwork. you’ve done a magnificent activity in this matter!

  36. Hey there. I discovered your website by the use of Google even as searching for a related matter, your site got here up. It appears to be great. I’ve bookmarked it in my google bookmarks to come back then.

  37. I really appreciate this post. I have been looking all over for this! Thank goodness I found it on Bing. You have made my day! Thank you again

  38. I relish, result in I discovered just what I used to be looking for. You’ve ended my 4 day lengthy hunt! God Bless you man. Have a great day. Bye

  39. You are a very capable person!

  40. I find this article on google and found your site. .Thanks for sharing good article. I will visit your site.

  41. Way cool! Some extremely valid points! I appreciate you writing this write-up and the rest of the site is also very good.

  42. Undeniably believe that which you said. Your favorite reason seemed to be on the internet the easiest thing to be aware of. I say to you, I certainly get annoyed while people think about worries that they plainly do not know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the top as well as defined out the whole thing without having side effect , people could take a signal. Will likely be back to get more. Thanks

  43. Right here is the right website for everyone who wishes to understand this topic. You realize so much its almost hard to argue with you (not that I really would want to…HaHa). You certainly put a new spin on a subject that has been written about for a long time. Wonderful stuff, just great.

  44. I have to show my appreciation for your kindness for persons who should have help with this topic. Your real dedication to getting the message all around appeared to be surprisingly important and have always empowered most people just like me to arrive at their dreams. Your interesting hints and tips indicates so much a person like me and even more to my office workers. With thanks; from everyone of us.

  45. I’m impressed, I have to admit. Rarely do I encounter a blog that’s both educative and amusing, and let me tell you, you have hit the nail on the head. The problem is an issue that not enough folks are speaking intelligently about. I am very happy that I found this during my search for something concerning this.

  46. Good – I should certainly pronounce, impressed with your site. I had no trouble navigating through all tabs and related information ended up being truly easy to do to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it at all. Reasonably unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or something, web site theme . a tones way for your client to communicate. Excellent task.

  47. I’m impressed, I must say. Rarely do I come across a blog that’s equally educative and engaging, and let me tell you, you have hit the nail on the head. The issue is an issue that too few men and women are speaking intelligently about. Now i’m very happy that I stumbled across this during my search for something relating to this.

  48. ruzTxM I’а†ve learn a few excellent stuff here. Certainly worth bookmarking for revisiting. I surprise how a lot attempt you set to make this kind of wonderful informative website.

  49. I was extremely pleased to discover this web site. I want to to thank you for ones time for this wonderful read!! I definitely loved every little bit of it and I have you book marked to see new things in your site.

  50. Really enjoyed this article post.Really thank you! Will read on

  51. Thank you for sharing superb informations. Your website is very cool. I’m impressed by the details that you’ve on this web site. It reveals how nicely you understand this subject. Bookmarked this website page, will come back for more articles. You, my pal, ROCK! I found simply the info I already searched everywhere and simply couldn’t come across. What a great web-site.

  52. I went over this site and I believe you have a lot of fantastic information, bookmarked (:.

  53. I enjoy reading through an article that can make men and women think. Also, many thanks for allowing me to comment.

  54. wow, awesome blog post.Thanks Again. Will read on

  55. Really great info can be found on blog . “We should be eternally vigilant against attempts to check the expression of opinions that we loathe.” by Oliver Wendell Holmes.

  56. Well I sincerely liked reading it. This article provided by you is very constructive for correct planning.

  57. I truly appreciate this blog post. Really Cool.

  58. Good information. Lucky me I found your blog by accident (stumbleupon). I have saved as a favorite for later.

  59. I simply could not go away your website before suggesting that I actually enjoyed the usual info an individual supply to your guests? Is going to be back regularly in order to check out new posts

  60. You are my intake , I own few blogs and very sporadically run out from to post .

  61. I’m pretty pleased to find this web site. I need to to thank you for your time due to this wonderful read!! I definitely enjoyed every little bit of it and i also have you book-marked to look at new information in your blog.

  62. This is a topic which is near to my heart… Cheers! Exactly where are your contact details though?

  63. I’m amazed, I have to admit. Seldom do I come across a blog that’s both equally educative and amusing, and without a doubt, you’ve hit the nail on the head. The problem is something that not enough folks are speaking intelligently about. Now i’m very happy I came across this in my search for something relating to this.

  64. Your style is very unique in comparison to other people I’ve read stuff from. Thanks for posting when you have the opportunity, Guess I’ll just bookmark this site.

  65. Hi! I simply want to offer you a huge thumbs up for your excellent information you’ve got here on this post. I will be returning to your site for more soon.

  66. I must thank you for the efforts you have put in writing this blog. I am hoping to check out the same high-grade blog posts by you in the future as well. In truth, your creative writing abilities has inspired me to get my own site now 😉

  67. Pretty! This was an extremely wonderful article. Thanks for supplying this information.

  68. Everything is very open with a very clear clarification of the challenges. It was definitely informative. Your website is extremely helpful. Many thanks for sharing!

  69. This website was… how do I say it? Relevant!! Finally I have found something that helped me. Kudos.

  70. Thanks for the blog article. Much obliged.

  71. This blog is obviously entertaining and factual. I have found a lot of useful tips out of this amazing blog. I ad love to return over and over again. Thanks a lot!

  72. This is one awesome post.Thanks Again. Great.

  73. I?d need to examine with you here. Which isn at one thing I usually do! I enjoy studying a submit that will make people think. Additionally, thanks for permitting me to remark!

  74. Spot on with this write-up, I really assume this website needs far more consideration. I?ll probably be again to read rather more, thanks for that info.

  75. It is really a great and helpful piece of information. I am satisfied that you shared this helpful information with us. Please keep us informed like this. Thanks for sharing.

  76. I think other site proprietors should take this web site as an model, very clean and excellent user genial style and design, let alone the content. You are an expert in this topic!

  77. I was recommended this web site by my cousin. I am not sure whether this post is written by him as no one else know such detailed about my problem. You are amazing! Thanks!

  78. Thanks so much for the blog article.Thanks Again. Really Cool.

  79. Very nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wished to say that I ave truly enjoyed browsing your blog posts. In any case I all be subscribing to your rss feed and I hope you write again soon!

  80. Thanks a lot for sharing this with all of us you actually know what you are talking about! Bookmarked. Kindly also visit my web site =). We could have a link exchange arrangement between us!

  81. wonderful issues altogether, you simply received a new reader. What could you recommend in regards to your put up that you simply made a few days ago? Any certain?

  82. Way cool! Some very valid points! I appreciate you writing this article and also the rest of the site is also really good.

  83. It is a beautiful picture with very good light-weight.

  84. Thanks so much for the blog post.Much thanks again. Much obliged.

  85. We stumbled over here different web page and thought I might as well check things out. I like what I see so now i am following you. Look forward to checking out your web page for a second time.

  86. This particular blog is no doubt cool and besides factual. I have chosen a bunch of helpful tips out of this source. I ad love to return over and over again. Thanks a lot!

  87. I’а†ve read several outstanding stuff here. Unquestionably worth bookmarking for revisiting. I surprise how lots attempt you set to generate this kind of great informative web page.

  88. This very blog is obviously entertaining as well as amusing. I have picked helluva interesting things out of this blog. I ad love to go back again and again. Thanks a lot!

  89. I think this is a real great post.Really thank you! Really Cool.

  90. This site has got some extremely helpful stuff on it! Cheers for helping me!

  91. Normally I do not read post on blogs, but I wish to say that this write-up very forced me to check out and do it! Your writing taste has been amazed me. Thanks, very great article.

  92. Wow! This could be one particular of the most helpful blogs We ave ever arrive across on this subject. Basically Great. I am also a specialist in this topic so I can understand your effort.

  93. Im obliged for your blog. Much many thanks. Keep beginner as guide to.

  94. I really liked your article post.Thanks Again. Really Great.

  95. I think this is a real great blog.Much thanks again. Will read on

  96. Very neat article post.Thanks Again. Cool.

  97. Thanks so much for the article.Thanks Again. Really Great.

  98. Wonderful article! We will be linking to this particularly great article on our website. Keep up the good writing.

  99. Wonderful blog! I found it while browsing on Yahoo News.

  100. My brother suggested I might like this blog. He was entirely right. This post truly made my day. You cann at imagine simply how much time I had spent for this information! Thanks!

  101. This excellent website truly has all of the information and facts I needed concerning this subject and didn at know who to ask.

  102. I went over this site and I conceive you have a lot of wonderful information, saved to favorites (:.

  103. Sorry for my bad English.I am constantly investigating online for articles that can help me. Thank you!

  104. Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your weblog and wanted to say that I ave truly enjoyed browsing your blog posts. After all I will be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again soon!

  105. This is very interesting, You are a very skilled blogger. I have joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your magnificent post. Also, I have shared your web site in my social networks!

  106. Thanks a lot for the blog. Keep writing.

  107. I think other web site proprietors should take this site as an model, very clean and magnificent user friendly style and design, as well as the content. You are an expert in this topic!

  108. Major thanks for the blog.Really thank you! Really Great.

  109. Way cool! Some very valid points! I appreciate you writing this post and also the rest of the site is extremely good.

  110. This unique blog is no doubt entertaining and besides diverting. I have found many useful advices out of this amazing blog. I ad love to go back over and over again. Cheers!

  111. You write Formidable articles, keep up good work.

  112. It’s actually a great and useful piece of info. I am glad that you shared this helpful info with us. Please keep us up to date like this. Thanks for sharing.

  113. Just thought i would comment and say neat design, did you code it yourself? Looks great. Just found here

  114. Wow, awesome blog layout! How long have you been running a blog for? you make running a blog look easy. The full look of your website is fantastic, let alone the content material!

  115. Major thankies for the article post.Really looking forward to read more. Fantastic.

  116. Thanks for the post.Thanks Again. Much obliged.

  117. Very fantastic information can be found on web blog.

  118. Thanks a lot for the post.Really thank you! Really Great.

  119. Utterly written subject matter, regards for information.

  120. This very blog is without a doubt awesome as well as factual. I have discovered a lot of handy things out of this amazing blog. I ad love to go back again soon. Thanks a bunch!

  121. Wow, that as what I was searching for, what a stuff! existing here at this website, thanks admin of this site.

  122. very few internet sites that take place to become in depth beneath, from our point of view are undoubtedly properly really worth checking out

  123. It as exhausting to seek out educated folks on this matter, however you sound like you realize what you are speaking about! Thanks

  124. Very good write-up. I absolutely appreciate this website. Thanks!

  125. Super-Duper site! I am loving it!! Will come back again. I am taking your feeds also

  126. Way cool! Some extremely valid points! I appreciate you writing this write-up and the rest of the site is also very good.

  127. This is really interesting, You are a very skilled blogger. I ave joined your rss feed and look forward to seeking more of your great post. Also, I have shared your website in my social networks!

  128. pretty fantastic post, i certainly love this website, keep on it

  129. Way cool! Some very valid points! I appreciate you penning this article and the rest of the site is really good.

  130. Very nice article. I absolutely love this website. Thanks!

  131. Rattling clear site, thankyou for this post.

  132. Thanks for the article.Thanks Again. Really Cool.

  133. This is one magnificent blog post. Much obliged.

  134. You produced some decent points there. I looked on the internet for just about any issue and discovered most of the people may perhaps go in conjunction with with your web page.

  135. Rattling clean site, thanks due to this post.

  136. Very nice info and right to the point. I am not sure if this is really the best place to ask but do you people have any thoughts on where to hire some professional writers? Thank you

  137. post and the rest of the site is also really good.

  138. Looking forward to reading more. Great blog article. Great.

  139. This blog is really cool and besides informative. I have chosen a lot of useful advices out of this amazing blog. I ad love to visit it over and over again. Thanks!

  140. You have brought up a very excellent details , thankyou for the post.

  141. This website was how do you say it? Relevant!! Finally I ave found something that helped me. Appreciate it!

  142. Wow! This could be one particular of the most beneficial blogs We ave ever arrive across on this subject. Actually Great. I am also a specialist in this topic so I can understand your effort.

  143. It is really a great and helpful piece of info. I am glad that you shared this helpful info with us. Please keep us informed like this. Thanks for sharing.

  144. Thank you ever so for you article post.Thanks Again. Great.

  145. This very blog is without a doubt interesting additionally amusing. I have discovered a lot of interesting advices out of it. I ad love to return every once in a while. Cheers!

  146. Just what I was searching for, thank you for putting up.

  147. You made some good points there. I looked on the internet for the topic and found most people will agree with your site.

  148. Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wished to say that I ave truly enjoyed browsing your blog posts. After all I will be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again soon!

  149. There is certainly a lot to find out about this subject. I like all of the points you have made.

  150. up for your excellent info you have right here on this

  151. I think you have mentioned some very interesting points, appreciate it for the post.

  152. You are my aspiration , I have few web logs and sometimes run out from to post.

  153. Wow! This could be one particular of the most helpful blogs We have ever arrive across on this subject. Basically Magnificent. I am also a specialist in this topic so I can understand your effort.

  154. Very informative article. You really grabbed my interest with the way you cleverly featured your points. I agree with most of your content and I am analyzing some areas of interest.

  155. You ought to take part in a contest for one of the best blogs on the web. I will recommend this site!

  156. Say, you got a nice article.Really thank you! Much obliged.

  157. Perfectly written content, Really enjoyed reading through.

  158. If you want to increase your knowledge only keep visiting this
    web page and be updated with the most recent news posted here.

  159. We stumbled over here different web address and thought I might as well check things out. I like what I see so i am just following you. Look forward to looking over your web page repeatedly.|

  160. Thanks so much for the post.Thanks Again. Awesome.

  161. Im thankful for the article.Really looking forward to read more. Fantastic.

  162. Major thanks for the article post.Really thank you! Cool.

  163. other. If you happen to be interested feel free to send me an e-mail.

  164. This is my first time pay a quick visit at here and i am in fact pleassant to read all at one place.

  165. Say, you got a nice post.Really thank you! Awesome.

  166. My spouse and I stumbled over right here different site and believed I really should examine points out.

  167. Terrific work! This is the type of information that should be shared around the web. Shame on the search engines for not positioning this post higher! Come on over and visit my website. Thanks =)

  168. Please let me know if this alright with you. Regards!

  169. thanks interesting reading
    _________________
    Casino amsterdam zuid

  170. Simply a smiling visitant here to share the love (:, btw great design.

  171. Looking forward to reading more. Great blog.Really thank you! Great.

  172. This is very interesting, You are a very skilled blogger. I ave joined your rss feed and look forward to seeking more of your magnificent post. Also, I have shared your web site in my social networks!

  173. we came across a cool site which you may enjoy. Take a appear should you want

  174. Thanks a lot for the article post.Much thanks again. Awesome.

  175. I’а†ve read various exceptional stuff right here. Surely worth bookmarking for revisiting. I surprise how lots try you set to produce this sort of great informative internet site.

  176. This is one awesome blog.Thanks Again. Much obliged.

  177. Regards for helping out, great info. I have witnessed the softening of the hardest of hearts by a simple smile. by Goldie Hawn.

  178. This unique blog is really awesome and diverting. I have chosen many useful things out of this amazing blog. I ad love to come back over and over again. Thanks!

  179. This very blog is really interesting additionally diverting. I have picked a bunch of handy stuff out of this source. I ad love to go back again soon. Thanks!

  180. Really appreciate you sharing this blog.Really looking forward to read more. Fantastic.

  181. Way cool! Some very valid points! I appreciate you penning this write-up and the rest of the site is extremely good.

  182. Simply a smiling visitant here to share the love (:, btw great pattern.

  183. Very informative article.Really thank you! Awesome.

  184. Thanks-a-mundo for the article.Really looking forward to read more. Great.

  185. Pretty! This has been a really wonderful article. Thank you for providing this info.

  186. Looking around While I was browsing yesterday I saw a excellent article about

© 2024 She is Africa

Theme by Anders NorénUp ↑