What is Illiteracy?
Illiteracy is most commonly defined as the inability to read or write. However, an "illiteracy" can also refer to an error made in reading or writing that would be usually preformed by someone considered illiterate.
Illiteracy can sometimes be synonymous with a lack of knowledge. For instance, those who cannot operate with a computer are considered "computer illiterate." Functional illiteracy means the individual is capable of preforming reading and writing tasks on a basis level.
Causes Of Illiteracy
There are many causes of Illiteracy. Often an individual is illiterate beacuse of a lack of family support. Illiterate parents tend to not emphasize the importance of education. Similarly, another cause for illiteracy is lack of motivation for education. In a society where the educated have trouble becoming employed, there's less stress on education and in return the illiteracy rate increases.
Sometimes an illiterrate individual is not to be blamed for their inabilities. Sometimes social barriers, like a restriction on the education for a particular people, lead to higher illiteracy rate. There may also be a disturbance in the amount of education institutions; this is epecially the case with someone lives in a remote area. Another cause for illiteracy is poverty. The poor have problems paying school fees and often have to contribute most their money to basic needs to survive in low living standards.
Consequences of Illiteracy
One of the biggest consequences of illiteracy is the hinderance of one's economic and social progress. Education often becomes a mechanism to pursue higher standards of living and gain employment opportunities. A lack of education, especially illiteracy, would limit one's contributions not only to their own betterment, but also the progression of society.
The crime rate and poverty rate are usually associated with illiteracy. Through literacy and education one can learn their socially acceptable behavior and civic duties. By becoming educated, an individual is more likely to be employed and contribute positively to daily social life.
Solutions
There are several things that can done to help limit illiteracy. One way to do so is to expance the coverage of free education. Free education help eliminates the disavantages for those who can't afford to attend schools. Another way to combat illiteracy is to raise awareness about the importance of education through programs or sharing information. Lowering the cost of education or offering grants and scholarships to students also help fight against illiteracy.