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What is literacy?

Literacy can be best defined as having ability in reading, writing, numeracy, visual communication, digital technology, critical thinking, speaking and listening.

 

What does the World Literacy Foundation do?

The World Literacy Foundation is an independent not-for-profit charitable body dedicated to raising awareness on the issue of illiteracy and improving global literacy standards by delivering programs, conferences and best advice.

We raise awareness of the literacy crisis and improve global literacy standards by delivering programs, conferences and the best advice. It is by bringing together governments, NGOs and educators that we will guide and inform local communities and the wider public.

Promoting quality education is our primary goal. Working in partnership with local communities and organisations, we implement sustainable programs which aim to raise literacy standards and give individuals every possible chance to receive a quality education. We also stage the World Literacy Summit, a global event, which builds greater awareness of the international literacy crisis and allows participants to come together and be united in improving literacy worldwide.

 

Why literacy? Why is it so important?

We acknowledge education as a basic human right and believe that literacy is the key to unlocking the door to a life of learning. Higher literacy levels enable people to overcome the barriers of poverty, disease and fulfil their full potential. We are committed to effective and evidence-based practices.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights asserts that every person has the right to education, of which literacy is at the core. Literacy is necessary for social and human development. It is an essential tool used to eradicate poverty, reduce child mortality, curb population growth, achieve gender equality and ensure sustainable development, peace and democracy.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights asserts that every person has the right to education, of which literacy is at the core. Literacy is necessary for social and human development. It is an essential tool used to eradicate poverty, reduce child mortality, curb population growth, achieve gender equality and ensure sustainable development, peace and democracy

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What is the mission of the World Literacy Foundation?

The World Literacy Foundation is dedicated to transforming the lives of the world’s most disadvantaged children by focusing on literacy and education.

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How did the World Literacy Foundation start?

Dr. Anthony Cree OAM launched the World Literacy Foundation in 2003, after 25 years of service to education within governments, universities and schools. Dr. Cree was amazed and saddened by the extent of the global literacy crisis and the lack of programs and resources that were dedicated to addressing this critical issue.

Through his firm belief that literacy is an invaluable tool for individual empowerment and provides the opportunity for people to break the shackles of poverty, Dr. Cree formed an organisation that could provide direct educational support to those who needed it most, as well as advocate an issue that traps millions of people into a poverty-stricken life.

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How is the Foundation funded?

The projects and programs of the World Literacy Foundation are funded by generous donations from members of the public, combined with support and funding from non-government organisations, foundations and philanthropic trusts.

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How can I help?

There are many different ways in which you can support the World Literacy Foundation. Your support will help to improve global literacy standards and strengthen the fight against poverty. You may help by becoming a partner, donating or by helping to spread the word.

We are open to new and original ideas from people who are interested in supporting the cause to improve literacy. Email your ideas to info@worldliteracyfoundation.org

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Is the World Literacy Foundation affiliated with any government or religious organisations?

The World Literacy Foundation is an independent, not-for-profit, non-government funded organisation and is entirely non-denominational.

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What is the Oxford Declaration?

The Oxford Declaration was the landmark conclusion of the World Literacy Summit 2012. Delegates were asked to outline the key action points required to improve global literacy standards. They contributed throughout the conference via face-to-face interviews and an interactive web forum.

The Oxford Declaration is now being used as an instrument to break down the barriers between government, business, non-governmental organisations, educational institutions and the world’s citizens in an effort to promote greater literacy standards worldwide. The Declaration is providing impetus to fund, plan, operate and measure literacy initiatives.

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How can I stay updated with what the World Literacy Foundation is doing?

You can stay up-to-date with our news, events and programs by subscribing to our monthly newsletter, or by following us on Facebook and Twitter.

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How can I get my organisation/school/company involved?

There are a number of ways that you can get involved in our foundation.  Here are some of our favourites:

• Hold a fundraiser for one of our online projects. By combining efforts you can make a great impact in a specific region or area.
• Incorporate a supporter wall for our cause on your website to generate funds towards our numerous literacy programs.
• Get employers or fellow colleagues to match your donation.
• If your company has a corporate foundation, make an introduction.

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Can I apply for help to improve literacy skills and resources in my school or community?

Any applications for help to improve literacy resources in your community or school may be made by visiting our small grant program page and completing and returning the available form.

Please include specific details about the problems your school or community is facing, and your contact details.

Please keep in mind that whilst we strive to improve the literacy of as many people as possible, with limited resources we are unable to help everyone. We receive hundreds of requests for funding. Although we would like to respond positively to all requests, we receive applications far in excess of our available funds. This leads to difficult decisions in establishing priorities and means that a number of important projects cannot be supported.

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Who does the World Literacy Foundation work with?

Together with local literacy specialists, we work side by side with local community leaders and institutions to ensure that the individual needs of each region and community are understood. The WLF works closely with teachers, parents and guardians of young people in order to ensure that they get the best possible opportunity to improve their literacy skills both at school and at home. A strong working relationship with community leaders also guarantees that the needs of the most unfortunate young people are attended to and handled with sensitivity and care.

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Why are our programs so effective?

The programs initiated by the WLF have proven to be extremely successful. Research shows that early intervention is the key to giving children the best opportunity to become literate. We work hard to support and assist children who are struggling in their learning as early as possible.

 

We are committed to effective and evidence-based practices that have proven to be successful. Rather than simply mailing books to children and hoping for the best, we partner with teachers and community leaders in the most remote communities. With our help they work right alongside the children to give them the best possible opportunity to gain vital literacy skills. This support is a gift that remains with them for the rest of their lives.

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