VIDES International has recently applied to UNESCO for collaboration,
so we will cooperate on various projects.
One of those is LIFE, the Literacy Initiative for Empowerment, which is part of the UN Literacy Decade 2003 - 2012.
WHAT IS LIFE?
LIFE’s project aims at eliminating illiteracy among the 85% of the population who has insufficient skills in calculation, writing and reading.
It is particularly dedicated to minorities, children and women. UNESCO will give a special attention to girls and women, who represent the majority of illiterate people, in order to help them to become autonomous.
WHY VIDES International IS COLLABORATING ON THIS PROJECT?
VIDES International is already working on the education field for children and particularly for girls in Asia, Africa and Latin America.
Education is one of the fundamental human rights.
Literacy and education are part of a country’s development process.
The projects also aims at improving inhabitants’ life standards and reducing poverty through the information and communication on health, hygiene, human rights, development, job, environment, etc.
WHEN AND WHERE IT IS TAKING PLACE?
LIFE wants to improve literacy standards in 34 countries worldwide, whose illiteracy rate is higher than 50% of the population from 2006 until 2015.
The project has already started in 10 countries this year, such as Haiti, Nigeria, Niger, Mali, Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Yemen.
Each two years (in 2008 and then in 2010), ten more countries will be inserted into the project.
In 2001, progresses in the area will be assessed.
Between 2012 and 2015, the programme will focus on the durability of the results obtained.
HOW VIDES International IS COLLABORATING WITH UNESCO?
UNESCO wants to cooperate with local partners in order to implement the project.
This collaboration is giving the opportunity to NGOs and other organisations to exchange ideas and good practices on method of education and efficient initiatives.
