Yesterday marked the 50th anniversary of World Literacy Day. World Literacy Day is set aside to celebrate the efforts and advancements made to increase literacy rates globally. Also, the day gives a chance to highlight literacy gaps in a bid to increase literacy levels among the children and adults.
Despite the effort from various fronts and the political will to increase access to learning opportunities in Kenya, evidence shows that some children and adults still struggle with basic literacy skills. Recent Twaweza research findings reveal that nationally, 45 percent of mothers cannot read a Class 2 English story. Regionally, 90 percent of mothers in the North Eastern region (i.e. twice the national average) cannot read a Standard 2 level story compared with less than 30 percent of mothers in the Central region. In addition, a child in the Central region is over seven times more likely to solve a Class 2 literacy problem than his/her counterpart in the North Eastern region. These findings show that the level of education of a mother is significant in literacy acquisition of the child.
Dr. John Mugo, Director of Data and Voice at Twaweza, said “As we celebrate the World Literacy Day, we need to be conscious of the millions of Kenyans who cannot even read or write an SMS. The situation is serious and pretty humiliating, especially for mothers and young people in marginalized areas. To save the generations, it is important we do everything possible to ensure that every child completing standard 8 in Kenya has acquired sustainable literacy skills to push them through life. In achieving this, we will not achieve different results by doing more of the same, but through commitment to ensure that children left behind are taught at their level so that they may catch up.”
The low literacy levels calls for attention as literacy acquisition is the cornerstone of an individual progress, achieving a cohesive and an equitable society. Moreover, having a huge proportion of children and mothers with low levels of literacy especially those from arid and semi-arid counties should concern all of us, as such further aggravates the inequality gap. Overcoming the 21st century challenges such as insecurity will require a literate populace. The 2016 Global Education Monitoring Report launched in September (undertaken 106 countries) shows that, people with lower levels of education are more likely to engage in violence.
Literacy plays a central role in the achievement of Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Specifically, Sustainable Development Goal 4 aims to “ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.” Kenya’s Vision 2030 and SDG deadline coincide and this calls for more concerted effort to eradicate illiteracy otherwise we risk missing the two deadlines.
Dr. Emmanuel Manyasa, Manager of Uwezo Kenya at Twaweza added, “Kenya’s development trajectory that is Vision 2030 will only be achieved if we urgently focus our energies on ensuring that a significant proportion of children and adults access education opportunities. A literate society will stimulate economic growth of the country. ”
This day reminds all of us to creatively come up with innovative solutions to support literacy activities. For instance, how can parents support their children at home and help them learn better? Teachers as well should identify those children unable to read and devise innovative pedagogical ways to help them acquire basic literacy competences. Moreover, the government of Kenya should invest more and improve literacy, through practical policy solutions.
For more information:
Brezhnev Otieno, Advocacy Manager for Kenya, Twaweza
e: botieno@twaweza.org | t: (+254) (0) 718 351 696