Investing In Literacy: Where, Why and How ?

This presentation attempts to answer this question. First, from the fundamental standpoint of human law, literacy is a vital component of the democratization of societies and the recognition of human rights. But the effectiveness of this law must also be considered in relation to the individual and collective returns and benefits of literacy training. From the standpoint of investment, measurement of the costs involved proves to be important. According to the EFA Global Monitoring Report, they may range from USD 100 to USD 400 depending on the context. In terms of cost-benefit analysis, formal primary education and non-formal literacy training seem to stand at roughly the same level. There is no lack of arguments for the benefits of literacy: (i) linkages between literacy and progress in health, political behavior, agricultural innovation, receptiveness to technology, etc.; (ii) linkages between the literacy of women and progress as regards their children's survival, health, education, etc.; (iii) linkages between literacy and collective, structural and strategic effects in the process of social change, as well as poverty reduction, self-sufficiency and self-help, etc.