Adult literacy programs in developing countries

While mostly missing their primary objectives, adult literacy programs can still improve key socio-economic outcomes

Washington and Lee University, USA, and IZA, Germany

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Elevator pitch

In addition to the traditional education system targeting children and youth, one potentially important vehicle to improve literacy and numeracy skills is adult literacy programs (ALPs). In many developing countries, however, these programs do not seem to achieve these hoped for, ex ante, objectives and have therefore received less attention, if not been largely abandoned, in recent years. But, evidence shows that ALPs do affect other important socio-economic outcomes such as health, household income, and labor market participation by enhancing participants’ health knowledge and income-generating activities.

Education, literacy, and poverty vary
                        across countries

Key findings

Pros

Literacy impacts of ALPs can be high, if novel approaches and modern technologies are utilized.

ALPs have relatively low demand-side/direct costs and low supply-side/indirect costs.

There is some, though scarce, evidence of positive effects on labor market participation, consumption/income, and health.

Literate parents (especially mothers) are more likely to send their children to school and are more engaged in their children’s education.

Evidence suggests that ALPs increase empowerment and civic participation among program participants.

Cons

ALPs mostly show only limited impacts on literacy and numeracy (their ex ante stated objectives).

ALPs are historically riddled with low initial enrollments, high dropout rates, and relapse into illiteracy.

There is minimal evidence (especially, more rigorous evidence) of program impacts.

Robust evidence is particularly scarce with respect to other important outcomes than literacy and numeracy, such as employment, wages, and health.

ALPs have had hugely different impacts across countries.

Author's main message

Despite the poor performance of ALPs in improving the literacy and numeracy skills of participants in many developing countries, other beneficial outcomes suggest that these programs should still be considered as potentially useful policy options. Because ALPs potentially affect multiple important development outcomes, a more holistic approach to evaluating adult literacy programs would be appropriate. Some recent successful programs offer potential examples to follow, particularly the utilization of novel methods and modern technology.

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