ADULT LITERACY PROJECTS
Background:
China has made exceptional progress in the area of literacy over the past 20 years, but, according to the Chinese Statistics Bureau, 20 million 15 to 50 year olds remain illiterate. 90% are from rural areas; 50% are from Western regions and 70% are female. Illiteracy leads to poverty, and poverty leads to illiteracy. It is important to break this vicious spiral. Current illiteracy is due to a legacy of poor rural education combined with on-going pressures for children to drop out of school in order to work.
Executive summary:
As younger generation literacy rates increase due to higher levels of schooling availability, there is a serious ongoing need to bring basic reading and writing skills to the older generations. In rural areas, these are often the carers of left behind children and so by providing education to adults, we also help solve some of the problems born out of mass worker migration. CRDF run adult literacy classes in rural, remote locations
Outputs:
- Year-long courses in areas of high illiteracy for 100 to 200 students at a time (3 hours per week)
- Specialist initial training for the teachers
- Teaching materials
- Transportation for the most remote students, providing access
Outcomes:
- Increased employability
- Benefits cascade down to the next generation as increased adult literacy leads to better child development.
- Direct benefit for grandparents helping early years basic education of left behind children.
- Help to rise out of poverty
- Literacy enfranchises a community
Sustainability:
Courses do not start unless the full cost for a course is secured (180,000 RMB or £18k), therefore each course is self-sustaining.
Literacy and numeracy are irreversible skills.
Background:
China has made exceptional progress in the area of literacy over the past 20 years, but, according to the Chinese Statistics Bureau, 20 million 15 to 50 year olds remain illiterate. 90% are from rural areas; 50% are from Western regions and 70% are female. Illiteracy leads to poverty, and poverty leads to illiteracy. It is important to break this vicious spiral. Current illiteracy is due to a legacy of poor rural education combined with on-going pressures for children to drop out of school in order to work.
Executive summary:
As younger generation literacy rates increase due to higher levels of schooling availability, there is a serious ongoing need to bring basic reading and writing skills to the older generations. In rural areas, these are often the carers of left behind children and so by providing education to adults, we also help solve some of the problems born out of mass worker migration. CRDF run adult literacy classes in rural, remote locations
Outputs:
- Year-long courses in areas of high illiteracy for 100 to 200 students at a time (3 hours per week)
- Specialist initial training for the teachers
- Teaching materials
- Transportation for the most remote students, providing access
Outcomes:
- Increased employability
- Benefits cascade down to the next generation as increased adult literacy leads to better child development.
- Direct benefit for grandparents helping early years basic education of left behind children.
- Help to rise out of poverty
- Literacy enfranchises a community
Sustainability:
Courses do not start unless the full cost for a course is secured (180,000 RMB or £18k), therefore each course is self-sustaining.
Literacy and numeracy are irreversible skills.
