literacy for life; EFA global monitoring report, 2006 - Institut de ...

Education for All Global Monitoring Report
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Chapter 1
Literacy:
the core of
Education for All
This year’s EFA Global Monitoring Report focuses on literacy,
one of the most neglected of the six goals adopted in 2000
by 164 countries at the World Education Forum in Dakar
(Senegal). Yet literacy is a human right and at the core
of Education for All. Literacy skills are essential in today’s
knowledge societies, conferring benefits on individuals,
communities and nations. This chapter explores some
of the reasons for the neglect of literacy, and notes signs of
renewed attention. It traces the changing notions of literacy
from a narrowly defined concept to one embracing a holistic
view of educational development that includes the building
of literate societies. Ultimately, literacy’s crucial role
in achieving each of the other five EFA goals may also
provide a key to improving the lives of millions of people
living in extreme poverty, and especially women.
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