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International-UN-NGOs
'Increasing number of Arabs illiterate'
2005-01-17
... but a decreasing percentage. Where's the story here?
Although illiteracy rates are generally falling in Arab countries, rising populations mean that the total number of people unable to either read or write continues to increase, says a new report. The report by the Arab League Education, Science and Culture Organisation (ALESCO) said on Sunday that 70 million people older than 15 in Arab League member countries were illiterate. It said that almost half of all women in the countries concerned - 46.5% - were unable to read or write, as against a rate of 25.1% among men. The report noted that as a percentage of total populations, the number of illiterates had fallen over the past 35 years. The overall rate had stood at 73% in 1970, but it was now down less than half of that proportion, to 35.6%, the report said. In absolute numbers, however, there were 50 million illiterates in 1970, as against 70 million today. ALESCO, based in the Tunisian capital, Tunis, is part of the Arab League.
Posted by:Fred

#9  The story is Arabs aren't terrorists because they have been indoctrinated by a**h*** Imans,oh no,the poor little guys can't read so it's not their fault,and the "world community"-ie the US-must pony up a gazillion dollars to the UN so they can be taught how to read. That's why story is on raw numbers increasing,while % is decreasing-makes it sound more like a crisis that only the UN can solve.
Posted by: Stephen   2005-01-17 9:36:41 PM  

#8  Literacy is defined as being able to read and memorize the entire Koran following the instructions of some jihadist-bent Iman.
Posted by: John Q. Citizen   2005-01-17 10:47:57 AM  

#7  Who cares. The important question is their Self-Esteem... is it holding? Do they see themselves as part of a vibrant community? Is synergy going from top to bottom and left to east? Is a facilitator needed? I'm ready for a grant and a hardy lunch.
Posted by: Shipman   2005-01-17 10:45:21 AM  

#6  LOL, .com. :-D
Posted by: Barbara Skolaut   2005-01-17 3:19:16 AM  

#5  "Where’s the story here?"

Um, is it that their math skills are equally poor?
Posted by: .com   2005-01-17 3:05:49 AM  

#4  forget reading--its the islogical thought processes that lead to self destuctive outcomes--if they read the kkkoran hadiths and sira--so what--they need a dose of aristotelian thought along with a pinch of john locke and adam smith--otherwise its all arabian sunglases
Posted by: SON OF TOLUI   2005-01-17 3:02:38 AM  

#3  Can a region actually form a representative government if such a high percentage are illiterate? In addition to cultural, tribal, and religious challenges, is this the straw that breaks the camel's back?

In the late 18th Century what percentage of white males eligible to vote were illiterate in America?

If one of the goals is to spread democracy throughout the region, doesn't illiteracy make it impossible? (I know the Iraqi people are more literate than the typical arab country)

Seriously, will it work?
Posted by: Penguin   2005-01-17 2:07:31 AM  

#2  Literacy isn't necessary if you somehow can manage to memorize the entire Koran.
Posted by: Zenster   2005-01-17 1:46:54 AM  

#1  I'm with Fred - where's the story?

This is what happens when the only thing you need to read is the bomb-belt instructions.
Posted by: Barbara Skolaut   2005-01-17 1:26:19 AM  

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