The Evolution and Impact of Literacy Campaigns and Programmes 2000–2014

'We are now at a juncture of redefining literacy as the foundation of Lifelong Learning for the next 15 years. Therefore, it is imperative to look back and learn from past literacy initiatives and policies in order to design new and successful strategies in future', remarks Arne Carlsen, Director of the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning.

The past decade has seen a resurgence in the popularity of literacy campaigns as a means of mobilizing political will, resources and people. However, there has been inadequate understanding of the complexity of designing and implementing successful literacy campaigns and programmes. For this reason, the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL) has published a study entitled The Evolution and Impact of Literacy Campaigns and Programmes, 2000‒2014. This study – the first in a new UIL publication series comprising extended peer-reviewed research papers – examines the establishment and implementation of major literacy campaigns and programmes in Brazil, India, South Africa and Indonesia.

In its analysis of literacy campaigns and programmes between 2000 and 2014, the report reveals that most initiatives have failed to achieve their overly ambitious goals. The study paints a nuanced picture of global trends, but also discusses features, challenges, success factors and results of specific campaigns and programmes. The continuity of learning processes for newly literates and the integration of short-term campaigns into national learning systems remain major concerns. The report also provides several recommendations for policymakers.