Increased Literacy
A significant difference
that distinguishes the twentieth and the
twenty-first centuries from previous ages
is the advance in literacy. In earlier times,
this ability was restrictedto a particular
group of privileged people, whereas, toward
the end of the twentieth century, UNESCO
and other government and private organizations
organized worldwide campaigns to promote
literacy. This mobilization of educational
resources, with its attendant technological
innovations and humanitarian services, has
born great fruit, for according to one UNESCO
report, the average literacy rate in 2003
was 84%.37
This figure is certainly the highest in
human history.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
37.
UNESCO Statistical Yearbook (1997). Online
at: www.education.nic.in/htmlweb/ arhrne.htm.
|