September 8, 2014 – Literacy is critical to the ongoing development of individuals and societies. Women and men with literacy and other essential skills are better equipped to find jobs, seek opportunities for advancement, and contribute to the economic progress that can help more people create or sustain their livelihoods.
Canada's international assistance is focused on several priority areas, including improving maternal, newborn and child health; increasing food security; securing the future of children and youth; and stimulating sustainable economic growth. Improving literacy rates is an essential tool that contributes to achieving results in these areas. Because of the varied benefits of literacy, Canada has made the development of youth and adult basic literacy skills an important part of its poverty reduction efforts.
In Kenya, for example, we continue to support the local government to train quality teachers and make schools child-friendly learning environments in which children—especially girls—feel safe and secure, healthy, and well nourished.
In Afghanistan, over the past decade, more than 7,200 Canada-funded community-based schools have provided education and literacy programming to approximately 210,000 students, more than 80 percent of whom are girls. In addition, the Canada-funded Girls’ Education Support Program provides literacy classes for women to encourage a supportive role for parents in their children’s education. More than 8,500 Afghan participants have taken part in literacy classes via this project so far.
Canada is playing a leadership role in combating child, early and forced marriage, which damages health, halts education, increases poverty, and limits the development of entire communities.
Another Canadian-funded literacy project, Reading CODE, combines access to quality reading materials with educators who have the skills to use these materials effectively. Through its partners in Ethiopia, Tanzania, Ghana and Mali, Reading CODE will increase the skills of teachers and librarians in more than 500 schools, libraries, and reading corners. Reading CODE also sources and supplies books to improve the learning possibilities of 485,000 children. In addition, the project connects national publishing industries and education networks to create a sustainable culture of literacy as a means of securing the future of all children and youth, and as a pillar of social development and economic prosperity.
With essential reading and writing skills, people can better respond to the challenges of an evolving world and take full advantage of the emerging opportunities that exist in today’s global marketplace. On International Literacy Day, Canadians can be proud of what their country is doing to improve literacy around the world.
Christian Paradis
Minister of International Development and La Francophonie
