While concerted efforts have led to gradual progress in increasing literacy rates, global data on literacy remain inadequate. Estimates are often based on self-reported data, which distinguish between those who are unable to read or write and those who have very limited skills, but generally do not capture numeracy statistics. Currently, only a few countries gather data on literacy and numeracy that is informed by direct-assessment surveys.
In response to the need for accurate data on literacy and numeracy skills worldwide, the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL) developed a multilingual tool, the everyday-life Skills and Practices Survey (e-PASS), to assess the competences of individuals aged 15 and over. An e-PASS implementation course was also introduced online, on the UIL Learning Hub, to guide UNESCO Member States through the steps and processes involved in its implementation.
Within this context, on 14 and 15 March 2023, UIL will host a webinar – ‘e-PASS: A comprehensive tool to assess youth and adult literacy’ – to introduce member country representatives of the Global Alliance for Literacy (GAL) to the e-PASS assessment process. The webinar aims to raise awareness of the importance of collecting high-quality data to inform evidence-based policy-making, and will share insights from Romania, where the e-PASS tool is being piloted.
Representatives of the 30 member countries of the Global Alliance for Literacy (GAL) are invited to discover how large-scale national assessments like e-PASS can be implemented in their local contexts. The event will also be an opportunity to share best practice and common challenges in designing and implementing literacy and numeracy skills assessments at the national level.
GAL representatives may identify technical partners, such as national statistical agencies or companies specializing in implementing surveys, and other stakeholders involved in youth and adult skills assessment to join the webinar.
This event is the first in a series of knowledge-exchange events on specific topics related to literacy which is being planned by the GAL Secretariat.
About the Global Alliance for Literacy
Since its launch in 2016, GAL has driven international discourse and guided the agenda for literacy provision globally for those who need it most. The alliance includes 30 countries committed to improving youth and adult literacy, and serves as a platform for its members to discuss progress and challenges together, and to exchange knowledge and good practice.
When?
Tuesday, 14 March 2023, from 13:00 to 14:30 (CET) in English
Wednesday, 15 March 2023, from 13:00 to 14:30 (CET) in French
Participation
Upon invitation only
Programme
Download
Languages
English and French
Further information
- About e-PASS (English)
- About e-PASS (French)
- The e-PASS app (English)
- The e-PASS app (French)
- Policy brief on numeracy
- Policy brief on direct assessments
- UNESCO strategy for youth and adult literacy (2020-2025)
- Global Alliance for Literacy within the Framework of Lifelong Learning (GAL): Strategy 2020–2025
- Global Alliance to Monitor Learning (GAML)
