ECCD GROUP

Literacy is about more than reading and writing - it is about how we communicate in society. It is about social practices and relationships, about knowledge, language and culture. Literacy - the use of written communication - finds its place in our lives alongside other ways of communicating. Indeed, literacy itself takes many forms: on paper, on the computer screen, on TV, on posters and signs. Those who use literacy take it for granted - but those who cannot use it areexcluded from much communication in today’s world. Indeed, it is the excluded who can best appreciate the notion of ‘literacy as freedom’.

However, if current trends continue, and if we fail to introduce major changes in the school system, "Literacy as Freedom" will continue to be an unreachable dream for millions of people. Renewed, co-ordinated and sustained efforts must be taken in the next few years to reverse these trends and ensure that we are on the right track towards Literacy for All and thus EDUCATION FOR ALL.

This is the reason why the General Assembly of the United Nations proclaimed the UNITED NATIONS LITERACY DECADE for the period 2003-2012. Together, we can make a difference in this world so that everyone has access to literacy in ways that are relevant and meaningful. See also UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning

The National Center for Family Literacy

The National Center for Family Literacy (NCFL), a nonprofit educational organization headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, USA, was founded in 1989. NCFL is recognized internationally as the leader in the field of family literacy, an innovative approach to meeting the educational needs of both children and their parents. By providing training for educators, researching effective practices, and raising public awareness, NCFL works to expand the learning opportunities for all families nationwide.

Reading and Writing for Critical Thinking Project (RWCT)

The RWCT program is an initiative of the Open Society Institute (OSI), USA, which promotes worldwide educational, social and legal reform, and the International Reading Association, a non-governmental organization of professional educators. These groups work in close collaboration with the 20 National Soros Foundations in participating countries.

International Reading Society

International Reading Society (IRA) was founded in 1956 as a nonprofit professional organization for those involved in teaching reading to learners of all ages. Its mission is to promote reading by continuously advancing the quality of literacy instruction and research worldwide. With the dedication to promoting high levels of literacy for all, the IRA disseminates research and information about reading, as well as strongly encourages the habit of lifetime reading.

Room to Read

Room to Read is providing opportunities that change lives and communities throughout the developing world. Through establishing, schools, libraries, and other educational infrastructures, their mission is to provide educational access to all with the hopes of breaking the cycle of poverty. Room to Read began working within rural communities in Nepal in 2000. Today, the organization's geographic reach spans throughout Vietnam, Cambodia, India, Sri Lanka, Laos, and South Africa. Their programs maintain a holistic approach to ensure that children within developing countries have equal access to quality education.

Asia-Pacific Literacy Data Base

Asia-Pacific Cultural Centre for UNESCO (ACCU) is a non-profit organisation established in 1971 in Tokyo, Japan. It has been working for mutual understanding and cultural cooperation in Asia and the Pacific, in the fields of culture, book development, and literacy promotion. Since 1981, ACCU has worked to promote literacy and Non-formal Education (NFE) within Asia and the Pacific region. In keeping with the principles of UNESCO’s mandates, ACCU commits to providing non-formal and continuing education programmes/activities for effective literacy. In doing so, ACCU hopes to eliminate wide spread illiteracy while also contributing to achieve the regional goal of "Education for All." Also see ACCU's homepage.