Life
September 09, 2005
Uganda's illiteracy rate reduces to 31 percent
Uganda's illiteracy rate has reduced to 31 percent now from 37 percent in 2000, according to government statement on Thursday.
Minister of Gender, Labor and Social Development, Bakoko Bakoru Zoe made the remarks in a statement released on the occasion of the International Literacy Day which falls on Thursday, Sept. 8, 2005 with the theme of "Literacy and Sustainable Development."
The minister said, "as we commemorate this year's International Literacy Day, we need to note that literacy is still challenge to the development process of nations globally. This year's theme is indeed a reflection of the contribution of literacy in the improvement of the quality of life of the population."
"Today, literacy is not only about one's ability to read and write, but to make informed choices about the social, political, economic and environmental aspects as well," she said.
After summing up achievements of the functional adult literacy in the east African country, the minister called upon Ugandans to continue support the government programs and particularly functional adult literacy.
The functional adult literacy program started in Uganda in 1992 with 8 districts participated.
It is now covering all the 56 districts and is delivered through about 20,000 instructors who conduct literacy classes in various villages.
Source: Xinhua
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