Four African countries are home to the highest illiteracy because of high vulnerability to conflict or disaster

NewsBharati    01-Feb-2018
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New York, February 1: Conflict or disaster does not affect political or economical aspects only but also the literacy level of youth. The disturbances come to the way of education of young people. Nearly 3 in 10 young people aged between 15 and 24 years old – 59 million – living in countries affected by conflict or disaster are illiterate, triple the global rate. The data has been published by UNICEF.

Some African countries which are always vulnerable to natural disasters and political conflicts – are home to the highest illiteracy rates. Niger, Chad, South Sudan and Central African Republic fall to the list with share of 76 per cent, 69 per cent, 68 per cent and 64 per cent of 15 to 24 year olds, respectively.

“These numbers are a stark reminder of the tragic impact that crises have on children’s education, their futures, and the stability and growth of their economies and societies,” said UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta H. Fore.

The analysis also notes that girls and young women are at the biggest disadvantage when it comes to reading and writing, with 33 per cent of them in emergency countries failing to learn even the basics, compared to 24 per cent of boys.

Illiteracy UNICEF Africa Education Conflict