Nijera Shikhi
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        • Mariam Bibi of Birganj, Dinajpur
        • Jomir Ali of Jhinaigati, Sherpur
        • Rubina Aktar, Sadar Thana, Comilla
        • Md Alauddin
        • Shahnaz, Nashima and Lakhshmi
        • Shipra Baroi of Kotalipara
        • Abdul Awall
        • Hafeeza
        • Tahera Begum
        • Khalilur Rahaman
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  • Why Adult Literacy Matters
  •   >  Our aims
  •   >  Effectiveness
  •   >  What is Functional Literacy?
  •   >  Testing Functional Literacy
  • Why a People's Movement?
  • How will it work?
  • Who we are
  • How can I get involved?
  • Nishi Insights Bank

Why Adult Literacy Matters

Acquiring literacy in adulthood can make a huge difference to people's lives, which is why literacy is sometimes referred to as the 'invisible thread' which supports other development activities.  For example many micro-credit organisations only offer services to literate clients, medicines tend to be effective only when taken correctly but to do this one usually has to read the instructions, likewise in agriculture when using fertiliser and ago-chemicals.  Functional literacy also enables people to read and gain new ideas so that they and their communities can develop, it also greatly enhances people's self-esteem.  It is due to these factors that Nijera Shikhi previously had such a significant impact on people's lives and well-being (see tab on effectiveness).

The current policy thrust of governments and donors is to invest in primary education, in the belief that this will eventually lead to the eradication of illiteracy.  However, primary education tends only to be effective for the children of literate parents.  As ever increasing numbers of children are enrolled in school the 'problem' of 'first generation learners' is emerging as a major barrier to effective primary schooling with children of illiterate parents not obtaining literacy at school.
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Also see Chapt 5 of the UNESCO EFA monitoring report 2006

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