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why pakistan needs a literacy movement? - UNESCO Islamabad

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WHYPAKISTANNEEDS ALITERACYMOVEMENT?


040708121315Pakistan’s Literacy DeficitLiteracy and survivalAn il<strong>literacy</strong> explosionThe anatomy of the tragedyVery many reasonsA shattered dreamLiteracyRoad to personal and social developmentConvenient Timings and AccessNFBE (Non-Formal Basic Education)Targets out-of-school children and youthFlexible and cost effectiveA ramp to formal educationOn a par with formal schoolsBenefits of LiteracyBenefits of LiteracyCosts of Il<strong>literacy</strong> (The Consequences)A terrible tollCitizens are the nationA vicious cycleLagging behind neighboursDemocracy underminedSocial stability jeopardizedNational security imperilledA grim futureThe RemediesA temptation to avoidA waiting game?Reasons of honourToo many consequences, and too severeThe toolbox of transformationThe Framework for ActionNational & international commitmentsGround to coverThe Way to GoThe cherished PakistanLiteracy is the common denominator of bettermentA war on il<strong>literacy</strong>A national <strong>literacy</strong> <strong>movement</strong>A national NFBE StrategyEssential preconditionsThe pieces of a strategyThe burden of responsibility


4WHY PAKISTAN NEEDS A LITERACY MOVEMENT?Literacy and survivalPakistan’sLiteracyDeficitThe importance of <strong>literacy</strong> in the world of today canhardly be overemphasized where new technologies areemerging from nowhere to push the older ones intoobsolescence. Job markets are in constant flux; demandfor traditional skills long cherished is vanishing overnight,and new, unheard of skills are assuming centre stage. Tosurvive in and stay abreast of such a world, individualsand nations are alike hard pressed to stay on a steeplearning curve – and <strong>literacy</strong> is basic to all learning.An il<strong>literacy</strong> explosion18.64 22.08 33.5942.6950.38 55.2419511961 1972 1981 1998 2010Illiterate Population (10+, millions)Pakistan came into being in 1947 amid muchrevolutionary fervour and dreams of a bright future. Fouryears later in 1951, the fledgling country was having a<strong>literacy</strong> rate of 17.9 per cent – which meant 18.64 millioncitizens were illiterate.One would expect this number of illiterates to go downwith the passage of time. On the contrary, the illiteratepopulation of the country has swollen to the extent thatin 1998, over 50 million Pakistanis were illiterate . It isfeared that number of illiterates is still growing inPakistan.This doubling of Pakistan’s illiterate population has beenbrought about by the state’s failure to provide basiceducation to all children.Photo by Aaftab Sheikh¹ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Education_in_Pakistan#cite_ref-unesdoc.unesco.org_21-0² http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demographics_of_Pakistan³ EFA Adult Literacy Table


5The anatomy of the tragedyThere are a few clearly discernable patterns to thisdeprivation – for il<strong>literacy</strong> is nothing but: more women areilliterate than men; more rural than urban citizens cannotread and write; and greater proportions of tribal andagrarian communities and ethnic minorities are illiterate.Very many reasonsHow did this come about? What went wrong with anation founded on the promise of progress andopportunity for every individual, class, and community?There are various diagnoses – ranging from lack of policyemphasis on education to resource constraints totop-heavy government to lopsided spending priorities tothe population explosion, among others.For instance, budget allocations for <strong>literacy</strong> and NFBEhave always been low – even compared to poorernations – and uncertain. Inconsistencies in <strong>literacy</strong>policies have downgraded <strong>literacy</strong> efforts andundermined <strong>literacy</strong> practitioners.A shattered dreamProbably all of these diagnoses merit seriousconsideration. However, the root cause is clearlydiscernable in hindsight: a failure to recognize theright to education and the importance ofeducating the masses.The outcome, inevitably, has been a shattereddream. With a reported <strong>literacy</strong> rate of 56% in2010 (PSLM 2010-11), Pakistan is among the lowestliterate nations of the world. According to theUNDP’s International Human DevelopmentIndicators database, Pakistan ranks 130 among 141reporting countries and territories in terms of adult<strong>literacy</strong> (both sexes, 15 years and older).133 Cape Verde134 India135 Ghana136 Equatorial Guinea137 Congo138 Lao People's Democratic Republic139 Cambodia140 Swaziland141 Bhutan142 Solomon Islands143 Kenya144 São Tomé and Príncipe145 Pakistan146 Bangladesh147 Timor-Leste148 Angola149 Myanmar150 Cameroon151 Madagascar152 Tanzania (United Republic of )153 Papua New Guinea154 Yemen155 Senegal156 NigeriaFrom custom index based on one indicator (adult <strong>literacy</strong> rate, both sexes); source: DIY HDI: Build Your Own Index: http://hdr.undp.org/en/data/build/A3⁴ Pakistan Social and Living Standards Measurement (PSLM) Survey 2010-11, Statistics Division, Govt. of Pakistan, <strong>Islamabad</strong>.


6WHY PAKISTAN NEEDS A LITERACY MOVEMENT?Literacy &Non-FormalBasic Education (NFBE)LiteracyRoad to personal andsocial developmentAdult <strong>literacy</strong> programmes are meant for illiterate adults,and are primarily limited to training in basic skills ofReading, Writing and Numeracy. These programmes alsopromote personal development at the individual level, aswell as bringing about empowerment and social change.Convenient Timings and AccessTimings of adult <strong>literacy</strong> programmes are often flexibleand tailored to the convenience of adult learners. Thisallows working adults including women to enrol withoutloss of income or conflict with their timetable tocomplete routine and essential house chores. Secondly,<strong>literacy</strong> classes are organized near their homes or workplaces, making it easier for them to attend.ABCD1234


7NFBE (Non-FormalBasic Education)Targets out-of-school childrenand youthNFBE – when considered separately from adult <strong>literacy</strong>education – targets those unfortunate children and youthwho have either no access to formal primary schools, orhave missed the chance to enrol at the appropriate time.NFBE Centres cater to the learning <strong>needs</strong> of out of schoolchildren and youth through cost effective and flexibleapproaches. Instead of waiting for establishment of aformal primary school and construction of a properbuilding, classes are organized in a place provided by thelocal community, and a locally available educated personis assigned the responsibility of teaching. Curriculum isequivalent to primary level and those who complete thecourse are mainstreamed or allowed to enrol atElementary or Middle level. In fact, it is an alternate formof schooling, and offers a second chance to those whomissed to enrol or dropped out earlier. In many instanceslearners are able to complete 5 year primary schoolcurriculum in a reduced period of 3 years.Flexible and cost effectiveThe content and timing of a NFBE programme can beadjusted to the <strong>needs</strong> of learners. It is particularly usefulfor a country like Pakistan where there is a pressing needto quickly expand basic education coverage.A ramp to formal educationThe idea of this kind of education programming is toprovide accelerated instructions to the target individualsin the basics of education so that they can join the formaleducation system at the high school or higher level.On at par with formal schoolsIdeally, beneficiaries or graduates of a NFBE programmeare considered equivalent to formal primary level and areallowed to enrol at Elementary School (Grade VI) tomainstream and continue their education.Benefits ofLiteracyBenefits of <strong>literacy</strong> are far reaching. There are human andcultural benefits, there are social and political benefits,and then there are economic benefits. Indeed, in modernsocieties, <strong>literacy</strong> skills are seen as ‘fundamental toinformed decision-making, personal empowerment,active and passive participation in local and global socialcommunity’ (Literacy for Life: EFA Global MonitoringReport 2006, p. 137).Key human benefits of <strong>literacy</strong> are higher self-esteem,greater self-confidence, and empowerment. Politicalbenefits include higher political participation and greatersupport for democracy.In terms of cultural benefits, <strong>literacy</strong> can help challengeattitudes and behaviour patterns. This can help bringabout cultural transformation through promotion ofvalues such as equity, inclusion, and respect for culturaldiversity, peace, and active democracy.Among social benefits of <strong>literacy</strong> are better healthoutcomes, improved reproductive behaviour,advancement of education, and promotion of genderequality. Finally, <strong>literacy</strong> is a booster of economic growth.Unfortunately, just like benefits of <strong>literacy</strong>, costs ofil<strong>literacy</strong> touch every facet of individual, family,community, and national life.5E⁵ Literacy for Life: EFA Global Monitoring Report 2006


8WHY PAKISTAN NEEDS A LITERACY MOVEMENT?A terrible tollThis is an unenviable situation to say the least. Thedeplorably low <strong>literacy</strong> rate has taken a terrible toll on thenation’s performance in every sphere of life.Citizens are the nationCosts ofIl<strong>literacy</strong>The wealth and wellbeing of a nation is inevitably thesum of its citizen’s wealth and wellbeing. Illiterateindividuals are ill equipped to realize their own truepotential or to fend for their dependents. Their inability tomake progress in life translates into the nation’s inabilityto advance.A vicious cycleThis gives rise to a vicious cycle in which illiterate adultslive in poverty and fail to educate their children,condemning them to life of want and poverty. In turn,these children grow to become illiterate adults. Morenumerous than the previous generation, they are trappedin poverty; and like their parents, they fail to educate theirchildren….Lagging behind neighboursWith a substantial part of the country’s population lockedin this vicious cycle, Pakistan inevitably suffers in terms ofeconomic development; small wonder we are fallingbehind our neighbours in terms of GDP growth just as weare lagging in terms of <strong>literacy</strong>.Democracy underminedHowever, this is not the worst consequence of highil<strong>literacy</strong>. Il<strong>literacy</strong> undermines the very foundations ofour democracy. Illiterate citizens inevitably lack inawareness and reasoning skills. How can we expect avoter to make an informed decision when he/she isunable to even read a newspaper? Illiterate voters are


9easy to be misled. Small wonder so many Pakistanis eitherabstain or take the wrong side in politically definingmoments. The root cause for frequent intervals ofdictatorship and political instability in the country is theil<strong>literacy</strong> of 70% voters living in rural areas, who cannotread newspapers and hence can easily be exploited ormisguided. These illiterate masses remain indifferent towhat is happening at national or provincial level. They areunable to know how their elected representatives areperforming in the parliament, or how they are switchingover their loyalties for narrow or personal gains, ignoringlarger developmental interests of the nation.Social stability jeopardizedA cursory look at recent history reveals that abourgeoning population unequipped for the job marketis the surest recipe for social upheaval. An illiteratepopulation is by definition unequipped for the modernjob market – and increasingly so. Fighting il<strong>literacy</strong> istherefore Pakistan’s only option to ensure social stability.National security imperilledThe story does not end there. Rampant il<strong>literacy</strong> hasgrave implications for Pakistan’s national security. Alargely illiterate population is easy prey to nefariouspropaganda – easily misguided, easily divided, easilyradicalized.A grim futureToday, new technologies are transforming the worldaround us at an ever-increasing pace. Mastery of theseemerging technologies requires high levels of education.In these circumstances, the impact of il<strong>literacy</strong> on theperformance of a nation is sure to grow with time.In sum, in a world characterized by invention andinnovation, the arts of war and peace are gettingincreasingly complex. Pakistan’s <strong>literacy</strong> deficit thus hasgrave implications for Pakistan’s national power – bothhard and soft. Not spending enough on Adult Literacyand NFBE now will certainly cost the nation much morein the future – in terms of economic loss, social problemsand political instability.RESOURCE GAPCAPACITY GAPCOMMITMENT GAPPOLICY GAPTheORGANIZATIONAL GAPRoadblocksHere are some of the more prominent roadblocks inthe way of promoting <strong>literacy</strong> in Pakistan.1 Commitment Gap (Lack of political will andleadership)Funds are sanctioned but politicians do nottake interest and provide leadership; they do notpush agenda of social change through <strong>literacy</strong>.2 Policy Gap (Lack of a clear and strong policy onLiteracy and NFBE)Lack of administrative will; open and disguisedopposition to Literacy & NFBE by the traditionalplanners.3 Organizational GapAbsence of permanent organizational structurefor Literacy and NFBE in various provinces; leadsto coordination gap as well.4 Resource GapMeagre and inconsistent financial assistance;leads to uncertainty about funding5 Capacity GapThere are ‘islands of excellence’ but on thewhole, the sub sector of Literacy and NFBE ismarred by weak professional base, missingcontinuity of experience, and paucity ofindependent research and evaluation studies.A3


10WHY PAKISTAN NEEDS A LITERACY MOVEMENT?Report Card:Literacy in PakistanSOURCE:PSLM (2010-11)54% women can not read and write64% 69%64% rural women in Punjab are illiterate 69% rural women in KPK are illiterateGlaring Disparities82% <strong>literacy</strong> among males in Urban Sindhvs13% <strong>literacy</strong> among females in Rural Balochistan


11Overall,42%population (10+) is illiterate78% 87%78% rural women in Sindh can not read and write 87% rural women in Balochistan are illiterate21 districts with litracy rate below 40%45 districts with more than 70% illiterate womenA3


12WHY PAKISTAN NEEDS A LITERACY MOVEMENT?TheRemediesA temptation to avoidOne is tempted to pin all hopes for correcting this situationon adequate provisions for universal primary education.The argument would go like this: make sure every child isschooled and in time, every Pakistani will be literate.However, we already know that as of 2011, some sevenmillion Pakistani children of school-going age have noaccess to formal education.Here, are we not totally ignoring the right of 55 millionilliterate Pakistanis to basic education?A waiting game?By the time we can build adequate primary schoolcapacity, many of them would be beyond primary schoolage; and then there are the other millions who arealready beyond that age – including adults andadolescents. Should we wait for them to live out theirlives in il<strong>literacy</strong> and deprivation associated with it?Reasons of honourThere are several arguments against this approach. First andforemost, education is a basic human right to whichPakistan is committed under multiple internationalcovenants. This calls for a proactive approach to <strong>literacy</strong>programming.On the other hand, would it be honourable for Pakistan todeny this basic human right to millions of its citizens bychoosing inaction? Given that Pakistanis are a nation ofbright and dynamic people and have aspiration to progress,the policymakers and donors must act and act swiftly.Too many consequences,and too severeThe consequences of carrying a large illiterate population– a few of which have been referenced above – are toomany and too severe for Pakistan to suffer any longer. Thesooner Pakistan overcomes il<strong>literacy</strong>, the better.The toolbox of transformationThis is where Non-Formal Basic Education (NFBE) andAdult Literacy come in – allowing nations in situationslike Pakistan’s to quickly tackle the challenges of illiterateadults and out of school children and youth.


13TheFrameworkfor ActionGround to coverHowever, Pakistan has a lot of ground to coverto bring down its illiterate population. As such,adult <strong>literacy</strong> and non-formal basic educationprogramming will be central to the country’ssuccess. For instance, three of the six Dakargoals expressly emphasize acquisition of<strong>literacy</strong> skills and/or continuing learningopportunities for young and adults. (EFA GoalNo 3, 4, and 6). Similarly, MDG No 2 (UniversalPrimary Education) has also set <strong>literacy</strong> rate asone of the indicators for progress.National & internationalcommitmentsMultiple national and international compacts commitPakistan to stamping out il<strong>literacy</strong>.According to Article 37-B of the Constitution, Stateshall be responsible for ‘eradication of il<strong>literacy</strong> andprovision of free and compulsory education up tosecondary level, within minimum possible time’.Pakistan is committed to improving <strong>literacy</strong> underthe Education For All (EFA) and MDGs (MillenniumDevelopment Goals).Pakistan’s National Plan of Action for EFA (Ministry ofEducation, 2003) commits the country to achieving86% <strong>literacy</strong> by 2015.Pakistan reflected goals of UN Literacy Decade(2003-2012) in its Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper(PRSP-I).Pakistan adopted <strong>UNESCO</strong>’s Literacy Initiative forEmpowerment (LIFE) framework for theimplementation of UNLD in 2005.Pakistan’s Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP-II)incorporates EFA and Literacy.Under National Education Policy (2009), Pakistanpledges to raise budgetary allocations for educationto 7% of the GDP, and achieve 86% <strong>literacy</strong> by 20155E


14WHY PAKISTAN NEEDS A LITERACY MOVEMENT?Enhance educational qualityAchieve gender parity by 2005, gender equality by 2015Increase adult <strong>literacy</strong> by 50%Promote learning and skills for young people and adultsProvide free and compulsory primary education for allExpand early childhood care and educationSix EFA Goals to be Achieved by 20151 ECCE: Expanding early childhood care and education2 UPE: Universal primary education; Free and compulsory primary education for all3 Continuing Education: Learning and life skills programmes for young and adults4 Literacy: 50% increase in <strong>literacy</strong> rates5 Gender: Eliminating gender disparities in primary and secondary by 2005, andgender equality in education by 20156 Quality: Improving quality of educationMillennium Development Goals (MDGs)related to EducationooTarget 3 – Ensure that, by 2015, children everywhere, boys and girls alike, will beable to complete a full course of primary schoolingTarget 4 – Eliminate gender disparity in primary and secondary education,preferably by 2005, and to all levels of education no later than 2015.


15TheWay to GoThe cherished PakistanThere is no denying that every Pakistani dreams thedream of a better Pakistan. Different people interpret thisdream differently – some hoping for a stronger Pakistan,others for a more prosperous Pakistan, and still others fora more open and democratic Pakistan. The core idea,however, remains betterment.Literacy is the commondenominator of bettermentDo we realize, however, that near-universal <strong>literacy</strong> is anecessary condition for any betterment at all? In otherwords, the road to a stronger, more prosperous, moreopen and democratic Pakistan leads through a literateenvironment in the society. Il<strong>literacy</strong> not only blocksdevelopment of individual citizens, it also hamperscollective progress in a society and evolution of itsinstitutions.A <strong>movement</strong> against il<strong>literacy</strong>The need of the hour is for Pakistan to declare a<strong>movement</strong> against il<strong>literacy</strong>. Consistent allocation ofadequate funds for education and <strong>literacy</strong>programming including NFBE could be a goodstarting point to demonstrate political will andleadership.A3


16WHY PAKISTAN NEEDS A LITERACY MOVEMENT?A national <strong>literacy</strong> <strong>movement</strong>Pakistan <strong>needs</strong> to scale up <strong>literacy</strong> programming forits 55 million illiterate citizens. For, changing their lotwill be primary to changing the country’s fortunes inevery sphere of life.A national NFBE StrategyFor the seven million out-of-school children and youth,Pakistan <strong>needs</strong> to develop a NFBE strategy suited to thecountry’s circumstances.We have no option but to adopt the NFBE approach toreach the unreached. There are out of school childrenand illiterate young adults; there are those settlementswhere a formal school cannot be opened; and thenthere are working children who cannot attend formalprimary school for any reason. Few thousands NFBECentres half-heartedly supported by Federal and someProvincial Governments are not enough to cater to thelearning <strong>needs</strong> of 7 million out of school children andabout 20 million illiterate youth of age 10-24 years.Essential preconditionsExperts and activists agree on a set of essentialpreconditions for successful <strong>literacy</strong> programming.These may be summarised as follows.1 GOAL AND STRATEGY: To be successful, <strong>literacy</strong>programming must be planned keeping in viewcertain long term developmental goal, and theseshould be based on an agenda for social change thatmakes sense to the prospective learners (e.g. incomegeneration, social and economic empowerment,better health care, awareness about roles andresponsibilities etc.). Also, learners must see a clearpath as how they can go beyond basic <strong>literacy</strong> (e.g.integrating neo-literates and NFBE graduates intoformal schooling or continuing education).2 LEADERSHIP: Literacy <strong>movement</strong> demandsleadership, not merely the funds. Political parties andtheir leaders should spearhead the motivational drivefor <strong>literacy</strong> in their respective constituencies.Education and <strong>literacy</strong> are long term investments, andunfortunately politicians take more interest inhighlighting their short term and more visibleachievements.3 ORGANIZATION: Nothing can be achieved withoutproper organization. There must be a permanentorganizational structure to conceive, plan, implementand monitor <strong>literacy</strong> and NFBE programmes. Anorganization with qualified permanent staff is neededto build, maintain, and impart expertise for training,material development, research & evaluation.Temporary project offices with people posted ondeputation from outside can not succeed in buildingprofessional base, which is possible throughcontinuity of working experience in a certain field.4 CONSISTENCY: For best results, both policy andapproach must be consistent over time. Uncertaintiesand controversies discourage talent and disheartensincere work for <strong>literacy</strong>. Perhaps most important, theavailability of funds must be sustained acrossbudgetary period throughout the campaign. Literacyprogrammes should not be affected or disrupted dueto changes in government or political upheavals.


17Thepieces of astrategyThe development sector sees an emerging consensus over what Pakistan <strong>needs</strong> to do toovercome rampant il<strong>literacy</strong>. The key pieces of the proposed strategy are:A Guiding Vision: A clear sense ofwhat to achieve, how to achieve it,what means and modalities to employand how best to employ them, etc.A National Framework: Clear andconsistent policy guidelines on <strong>literacy</strong>and NFBE programmes, including clearcut policies, plans, and legislation bythe federal and provincial legislativesto supplement <strong>literacy</strong> programmes.A Committed Leadership: The topleadership – government bureaucrats,technocrats, elected representatives,political parties, CSOs etc., – all mustsupport and lead <strong>literacy</strong> programmesat various levels.Inbuilt Partnerships: Agreementsand coordination and monitoringmechanisms, forums, and processesthat bring federal and provincialstakeholders together for creatingsynergies, harmonization, and sharingexperiences.Guaranteed Finances: Consistentflow of ample financial resources –e.g., a healthy percentage (aminimum of 10%) of the educationbudget or certain ratio of GDP/GNP,should specifically and exclusively beallocated every year for Literacy andNFBE. Legislation to commit theFederation matching grants to theprovinces could work wonders.Clear Roles and Responsibilities:Clearly defined roles andresponsibilities of federal, provincial,and district governments.A Strong Professional Base:Establishment of an institute orresource centre for technical tasks liketraining, material development,research etc., could deliver the goods.At present, no such professionaldevelopment centre or traininginstitute is available for the neglectedsub sector of <strong>literacy</strong> and NFBE in thecountry.5E


18WHY PAKISTAN NEEDS A LITERACY MOVEMENT?A trial by fireDesigning and rolling out <strong>literacy</strong> and NFBE interventions– and keeping the momentum going until the mission isaccomplished will try every nerve and sinew of thenation. All tiers of the government and all segments ofthe society will have to go on a war footing beforePakistan can overcome il<strong>literacy</strong> and set a firm footforward towards a better tomorrow.The burden of responsibilityFinally, let us not forget that the major share of theresponsibility in this connection will rest squarely with thecountry’s leaders, policymakers, and opinion leaders. Areyou one of them? Are you prepared to play your part inthe struggle?If not – have you considered the cost of doing nothing?HDI, Literacy, and PakistanOut of the total 187 countries included in the 2011Human Development Index (HDI), Pakistan ranks 145.Literacy is an important component of the HumanDevelopment Index (HDI), a United Nations statistical tooladopted by the global development community as acomparative measure of well being of the ‘people’ livingin countries worldwide.Does Pakistan remember that the HDI was pioneered(together with Human Development Report) by thecelebrated Pakistani economist Dr Mehboob ul Haq?Since its inception in 1990, the HDI has become theglobal development community’s favoured statistical toolor yardstick. It is a sad circumstance that the pioneer’scountry remains plagued with il<strong>literacy</strong> and continues toscore low on human development.National Commitments ofPakistanConstitution of Pakistan(1973)State shall be responsible for:“ eradication of il<strong>literacy</strong> andprovision of free andcompulsory education up tosecondary level,within minimum possible time”Article 37-B, 1973Constitution of Pakistan


19Human Development in South and West Asia(Source: <strong>UNESCO</strong> EFA Global Monitoring Report 2011)CountryIndiaIranPakistanSri LankaMaldivesNepalBangladeshPublic expenditureon Education as %of GNP (2008)3.24.82.95.48.43.72.2Literacy Rate(15+) 200863825491985855Projected LiteracyRate (15+)for 201572875992996661Literacy Rate (15+) for 2015100806040200Why Pakistan lagged behind?WEAK POLITICAL WILL - More focus on infrastructure, immediate <strong>needs</strong>,and short term projects with more visible results – Education is a long term investmentLOW INVESTMENT ON EDUCATION – Budget about 2% of GNPAccess issue – created missed out childrenQuality issue – led to high drop out rateINABILITY OF FORMAL EDUCATION SYSTEM to cater <strong>needs</strong> of all childrenHALF-BACKED LITERACY PROJECTS, with half hearted bureaucratic supportAn analysis of Literacy Programmes in PakistanCOMMITMENT GAP: Lack of Political Will – funds were sanctioned but politicians could not provideleadership – politicization of <strong>literacy</strong> projectsPOLICY GAP: A clear and strong policy on Literacy and NFBE has been missing: Lack ofadministrative will – open and disguised opposition to Literacy & NFBE by the traditional planners.ORGANIZATIONAL GAP: Absence of permanent organizational structure – led to coordination gapFINANCIAL RESOURCES GAP: limited financial assistance, and uncertainty about fundingTECHNICAL CAPACITY GAP: ‘islands of excellence’ but weak professional base /Lack of continuity ofexperience/independent research and evaluation studiesPeace: Arms versus Education21 developing countries are currently spending more on arms than on primary schools – if they were to divertjust 10% of military spending to education, they could put an additional 9.5 million children into schoolPakistan, which has one of the world’s largest out-of-school populations (7 million), spends over seven timesas much on arms as on primary schools.Donors have not met the commitments they made in 2005 to increase aid.Only a 0.5% levy on mobile phone transactions in Europe could raise US$894 million for education annually.6 Days Spending on Military by aid donors would close the US$16 billion Education for All external financing gap.Source:<strong>UNESCO</strong>, EFA GMR Report 2011A3


20WHY PAKISTAN NEEDS A LITERACY MOVEMENT?MILITARY SPENDING DIVERTING EDUCATION RESOURCES21 of the world’s poorest developing countries that spendmore on military budgets than primary education10% of their military spending could put 9.5 million children into schoolRATIO OF MILITARY TO PRIMARY EDUCATION EXPENDITURE876543210PAKISTANANGOLACHADGUINEA-BISSAUAFGHANISTANKYRGYZSTANBURUNDIMAURITANIAD. R. CONGOBANGLADESHETHIOPIATOGOYEMENUGANDAVIETNAMBURKINA FASOMALINEPALSIERRA LEONECAMBODIAC. A. R.GAMBIACOTE D'IVOIREMADAGASCARKENYASENEGALU. R. TANZANIA


21ADULT LITERACY RATES (10 YRS+)BY INCOME QUINTILES, GENDER AND LOCATIONURBANRURALOVERALLPAKISTAN1st Quintile2nd Quintile3rd Quintile4th Quintile5th QuintileMale805464738293Female633546546581Both714455647487Male644568667383Female341723354457Both483140505870Male694759687789Female442029415270Both563344546479Source: Table 2.27, Pakistan Social & Living Standards Measurement (PSLM) Survey 2007/08WILL PAKISTAN ACHIEVE EFA GOALS AND MDGs?INDICATOR & YEARRATES (PSLM)2006-07 2007-08 2008-09AverageAnnualGrowthRateProjectedRateby2015Literacy Rate (10+)Primary NetEnrolment Rate (NER)5556565557571.818%.0.89268 %63 %A3


<strong>UNESCO</strong> <strong>Islamabad</strong><strong>UNESCO</strong> Office, Serena Business Complex,7th Floor, Sector G-5, <strong>Islamabad</strong>, PakistanE-mail: islamabad@unesco.orgwebsite: www.unesco.org.pkUAN: +92-51-111-710-745FAX: +92-51-26002509 789231 041464

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