The solution - Illiteracy (weekend-engagement concept week 138)
Illiteracy defined.
I will prepare to agree with the meaning of illiteracy as having little or insufficient education . Not basically only the inability to read and write.
It's always common to refer to someone who can not read and write as an illiterate, this is just but one form of illiteracy among other forms of illiteracy.
Forms of illiteracy.
If I have the opportunity to proffer solution for illiteracy, then looking into the various forms of illiteracy becomes very necessary, hence some forms of illiteracy;
Mental illiteracy.
Physical illiteracy
Literal illiteracy
Functional illiteracy
Numerical illiteracy
Financial illiteracy
Cultural illiteracy and ,
Racial illiteracy .
The list continues. Each form makes a topic for further discussion. Let me dwell on the contest SOLUTION TO ILLITERACY if I have the opportunity. This is to an attempt to #weekend-engagement concept week 138 with @galenkp. To be part of this contest follow this Link
Having an understanding of some forms of illiteracy, let's take a look at the causes of Illiteracy in general. Taking Nigeria as a case study.
Firstly, illiteracy is the inability to read and write and make proper analysis, the factors which contribute to Illiteracy in Nigeria include but not limited to;
As a teacher for a decade, some major causes of Illiteracy in Nigeria among other factors include;
1. No formal standard to follow.
2. Poverty
3. Crude interpretation of some learning disability
4. Child labor
5. Bad or poor governance.
6. The educator factor.
7. The environment
The causes of illiteracy perhaps are numerous but for the ones listed let me dive into ways I can proffer solutions.
SOLUTIONS!
No formal standard to follow.
Most learners lack a role model whom they could look up to educationally, as learners are highly influenced by their model, I will introduce a community model educator having show houses and children and adults could come interact and learn and by extension, compulsory free Education follows. The use of the mass media will be a sound tool and I will ensure that electricity is available. As the learners would develop a new model as they watch and relate within the new circle as the watch kids from other places doing it.
Poverty.
Poverty is one big factor fighting against more people and culture. Sharing of money doesn't eradicate poverty but teaching of financial intelligence would be nice. Here in Nigeria, financial intelligence is not encouraging. The school curriculum would include teaching of financial intelligence and students would be guided to move from just consumers to producers and when everyone is active and productive no matter the quality, gradually poverty would be greatly reduced. Many parents can not afford to pay the fees of their kids hence they end up as illiterates. Free, compulsory and well supervised education is assured.
Crude interpretation of learning disability.
Learning disability in Nigeria had been misunderstood by both teachers and parents who don't have good understanding tag such learners as been possessed by the devils when in reality, it could dyslexia, autism or other learning disabilities. Such special learners are deprived of education and end up becoming illiterate. Special education and diagnosis is made available to helping each individual who has a learning disability.
Child labor.
With the introduction of free and compulsory education for the early years in school, any form of child's labor would be great penalized. With such penalty on child labor, people would no longer involve into child labor as every child should be in school must be in school during school hours.
Bad governance .
I will enact laws that will favor education. Nigeria budget for education is the least every year, I will ensure that education gets better attention and teacher and educators are well taken care of. Scholarships would be given to gifted students to encourage excellent spirit and performance. Laws would be made also that only educated persons would be elected into public offices as against what is obtainable in Nigeria today when even the president can't account for his primary school certificate.
The educator factor.
The educators are not well enumerated this is seen in frequent strike actions in almost all sectors and worse within the education sector.
Teachers are not been respected, they are seen as third class citizens. I will ensure that the educators get better payment and secondly in-service training is provided. Only qualified hands are employed. Special education is provided for teachers to handle students with learning disabilities. Even to handle other forms of illiteracy as the school is a place where all forms of literacy can be achieved.
The environment.
Environmental factor has a lot to play in educating an individual. Such environment that has little favor for literacy would be by grassroot mobilization initiate programs that will promote literacy in the environment.
Instance, there are environment where education for the women is seen as a total waste of time and resources, we will put in laws that would protect the girl child and ensure that the girl gets sound education and given public positions so as to encourage more female to embrace education.
When you educate a woman you educate a generation!
The major challenge Nigeria is facing today is illiteracy or ignorance and I hope that if we can achieve success in making everyone know how to read and write, then our problem is half solved.