Sustaining Literacy in Africa: Developing a Literate Environment

This specific publication contributes, in the critical context of Africa, to the conceptual development of the notion of the literate environment, which has been increasingly used but has been explained far less. It brings rich knowledge and insights about literate environments, highlighting inter-related issues such as its definitions, previous undertakings, methods of assessment as well as interactions between the supply and demand sides of environments.

This publication is the first of a series of publications on youth and adult literacy that brings together commissioned studies and research as well as papers from 6 the six UNESCO Regional Conferences in Support of Global Literacy held in 2007 and 2008 in the context of the United Nations Literacy Decade (2003-2012). The aim of this series is to distil information on trends in youth and adult literacy for decision-makers and other key stakeholders. Our hope is that it will prompt further reflection, stimulate change and inspire action in this key area.