Martin Kobler, Head of MONUSCO and Abdourahmane Diallo, UNESCO Representative, reiterate their commitment to promoting literacy in the DRC

Tuesday 9 September 2015 – “I commend the Government for the efforts made to promote literacy, which, in addition to representing a fundamental right that should be guaranteed to all Congolese people, is a development factor. Therefore, I reiterate my commitment to supporting the Government authorities to better empower the most disadvantaged sections of the population for an active contribution to sustainable development,” declared Martin Kobler.

The theme of the International Literacy Day 2015 is “Literacy and sustainable societies.” It aims to demonstrate that literacy is a key driver for development. Indeed, the ability to read and write is essential for acquiring knowledge, facilitating the population’s integration into active life and creating sustainable societies. In the DRC, women and children aged more than 15 are the most affected by illiteracy.

“I encourage the Government authorities to make further efforts for an even more significant reduction in the illiteracy rate. UNESCO will continue to provide technical and financial support, particularly in continuous education, in the preparation of important documents such as the National Literacy Development Strategy and literacy curricula, functional literacy programs. This will help to write a new page in the history of development in DRC”, declared Abdourahamane Diallo.

Notes to editors:

• 8 September was declared the international literacy day by UNESCO on 17 November 1965 and was commemorated for the first time in 1966. Its objective is to draw attention on the importance of literacy not only for individuals but also for the entire community.
• This year, the commemoration of the International Literacy Day is focused on the study of the synergy and essential links existing between literacy and the future sustainable development objectives which will be adopted during the 70th session of the United Nations General Assembly, in September 2015.
• UNDP’s 2014 Human Development report suggests that nearly 585 million people, an equivalent of 72 per cent of the population of the African continent live in situation of multidimensional poverty – marked by cumulated shortage in respect of education, health and living standard – or at risk of relapsing into poverty. DRC established, across the national territory, literacy centers, education remedial centers as well as learning and social promotion centers. Moreover, according to UNICEF statistics, the literacy rate has markedly dropped, from 33% to 27.1% between 2000 and 2014.