#We_ will_ address_ each_ type_ of_ illiteracy_ separately_ in_ this category_ given_ the_ importance_ of_ the_ subject

First: What is illiteracy?

UNESCO has defined illiteracy as an individual's inability to read and write, as well as their inability to acquire the skills necessary for full participation in society and for effective, productive engagement within it.

According to UNESCO, the concept of illiteracy is linked to:

The Citizenship

The Cultural identity

The Socio-economic development

Human rights and justice

The need to create an educated society for its survival and development

Secondly: Consider some statistics from the Arab world—and from Egypt specifically

In the Arab World

UNESCO statistics indicate that, as of 2023, approximately 773 million adults worldwide are illiterate. This group represents about 14% of the global population, with women disproportionately affected, accounting for 64% of illiterate adults. Additionally, around 67.4 million children remain out of school, further complicating the goal of achieving a future free from illiteracy.

In Egypt

The Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS)

It revealed a significant decline in illiteracy rates in Egypt—a drop of 9.2 percentage points. The rate fell from 25.8% in the 2017 census to 16.6% in 2024 among individuals aged 10 and older. This report coincides with International Literacy Day, observed annually on September 8th. Celebrated globally under the auspices of UNESCO, the day serves to highlight the importance of education in building advanced and more conscious societies. The Gender Gap

Despite overall progress, a clear gap remains between males and females; the illiteracy rate among females stood at 21.4% in 2024 compared to 12% among males—down from 30.8% and 21.2%, respectively, in 2017. While this indicates general improvement, it also reflects persistent challenges regarding women's educational empowerment, particularly in rural and remote areas.

The Rural vs. Urban

The illiteracy rates declined more rapidly in cities than in villages; in 2024, cities recorded a rate of 11.9% compared to 20.3% in rural areas. This disparity is attributed to the availability of schools, improved infrastructure, and higher levels of awareness in urban areas, contrasted with limited educational services in certain rural regions.

The Upper Egypt Governorates Lead the List

The governorates in Upper Egypt continue to record the highest illiteracy rates: Sohag (25.1%), Beni Suef (25%), Fayoum (24.7%), Minya (23.3%), and Assiut (19.5%). Nevertheless, a comparison with 2017 data reveals a notable decline. At that time, illiteracy rates stood at 37.2% in Minya, 34.6% in Assiut, and 33.6% in Sohag—figures that reflect the success of government and community efforts in these regions.

**Damietta Leads the Way**

Damietta Governorate has emerged as a model to emulate, recording the country's lowest illiteracy rate—just 6.5% in 2024, down from 20.2% in 2017. This transformation highlights the success of local educational and awareness initiatives, as well as the role of community partnerships in improving educational standards.

**The State Efforts**

The National Authority for Literacy and Adult Education continues to implement ambitious plans aimed at shifting the concept of literacy beyond basic reading and writing skills to encompass entrepreneurship and digital literacy. These programs and initiatives span all governorates, with a specific focus on the villages and areas most in need.

The State aims to declare Egypt "illiteracy-free" by 2030

In alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals. Through presidential and community-led initiatives—supported by universities and civil society organizations—Egypt has achieved international recognition for its efforts, winning the 2024 UNESCO Confucius Prize. This award was granted for a joint project between Mansoura University and the General Authority for Literacy and Adult Education, titled: "Promoting Multilingual Education in Literacy for Mutual Understanding and Peace."

Thirdly: Does illiteracy a single type or are there multiple types?

In reality, there are several types—to the extent that even someone highly proficient in reading and writing can still be considered illiterate in one or more other areas. Let us explore the types of illiteracy recognized globally:

1- The Literacy-based (or alphabetic) illiteracy

The inability to read and write.

2- The cultural illiteracy

A lack of necessary cultural knowledge and the inability to educate oneself on the various topics that would make one a cultured and informed individual.

3- The digital illiteracy

A condition in which an individual struggles to use technology and electronic devices.

4- The Profession illiteracy

A person's inability to understand the principles and fundamentals of their own job or profession.

5- The civilizational illiteracy

A lack of sufficient knowledge regarding one's own civilization as well as other diverse civilizations.

6- The environmental illiteracy

A person's ignorance regarding the environment in which they live, and their inability to interact with or preserve it.

7- The scientific illiteracy

A person's inability to attain the required level of education or the academic qualifications that would define them as an educated individual. 8 - Health Illiteracy

8 - 7- The health illiteracy

The inability to make sound health-related decisions—whether in personal, social, or professional life—regarding the healthcare system or matters concerning one's own health or that of family members.

9 - The social Illiteracy

Stemming from a lack of social skills—such as dialogue, verbal communication, listening, the courage to speak up, and social interaction—this deficiency disrupts the process of communicating and engaging with society.

10 - The religious Illiteracy

A lack of knowledge regarding religious law (Sharia), an inability to comprehend religious texts and jurisprudential rulings, and ignorance of the objectives of Sharia—regardless of the specific religion.

Fourth: The causes of Illiteracy

Having explored some figures and statistics regarding this issue in Egypt and the Arab world—as well as types of illiteracy that many have likely never heard of—let us now examine the causes of illiteracy across the Arab world. It is well known that the Western world (specifically Europe) has achieved a 0% rate of reading and writing illiteracy. Let us look at the causes of reading and writing illiteracy in the Arab world:

1 - Lack of genuine political will to combat it

2 - Limited budget for the education sector

3 - Lack of training for those responsible for education

4 - Failure to update curricula to align with labor market requirements

5 - Widespread poverty, particularly in rural areas

6 - Uneducated parents

7 - Poor behavior at school

8 - Learning difficulties

9 - Ineffective literacy programs

10 - States of war in many Arab countries, leading to the closure of schools for children and the suspension of literacy programs for beneficiaries

10 - The emergence of new issues of paramount importance to governments—such as terrorism, racism, sectarianism, and minority rights—often at the expense of developing educational programs and curricula

11 - The Arab world's development trend toward rentier economies that prioritize consumption over production

12 - Weak legislation mandating that illiterate individuals enroll in education, stemming from a lack of awareness among officials regarding the severity of illiteracy

13 - Varying definitions of illiteracy across Arab countries, resulting in divergent approaches, programs, and visions

Fifth: The Impact on Society / Social and Global Peace

The Impact on Society

Limited Access to Information

Illiterate individuals are unable to read and comprehend important information, which can lead to poor decision-making and prevent them from fully participating in society.

Limited Job Opportunities

Many jobs require basic literacy skills; illiterate individuals may struggle to find stable, well-paying employment, leading to financial instability.

Negative Health Outcomes

Illiteracy can hinder individuals from understanding medication labels, health information, and safety instructions, thereby increasing the risk of accidents and preventable health issues.

Social Isolation and Stigma

Illiterate individuals may face stigma and discrimination, making it increasingly difficult to break the cycle of illiteracy.

Civic Participation

Illiteracy can limit participation in civic activities—such as voting, volunteering, and advocating for rights—leading to the underrepresentation of marginalized communities.

Its Impact on Social and Global Peace

The relationship between education and global peace is close and multifaceted.

The quality education is linked to lower levels of conflict and higher levels of peace; countries with high primary education completion rates tend to be more peaceful.

The peace education plays a pivotal role in fostering understanding and cooperation—two essential elements for building lasting peace.

The investing in education can lead to greater social and political stability, whereas low levels of education are associated with higher rates of internal conflict.

The education systems designed with the participation of youth and the community are more resilient and effective in promoting peace.

In short;

The education is a powerful tool for fostering peace and stability, and investing in it is essential for achieving a peaceful future.

Finally: The solutions

1 - Activating the role of the media

The media plays a crucial role in combating illiteracy. Why not address this serious societal issue across all media platforms through an intensive campaign?

2 - The revamping and developing the educational system

Given its close link to society and its issues, the system must be aligned with the demands of contemporary challenges. It should be developed into a system grounded in creative thinking, innovation, and scientific research skills.

3 - The education based on constructive criticism

This should begin at the earliest stages of education, enabling nations to build human capital capable of transferring and advancing knowledge.

4 - The investing in basic training provided by employers

In 2003, 54% of adults in Quebec, Canada, considered their reading proficiency to be very low, yet seven out of ten individuals in this group were employed. By investing in basic training within the workplace, employers can cultivate a competitive and productive workforce. Workers can then acquire literacy skills that will serve them throughout their lives.

5 - Why isn't this practiced in Arab countries?

Providing opportunities for on-the-job training, even for those with minimal initial proficiency.

6 - Volunteer in your community

One of the most impactful ways to help is by volunteering your time locally. After all, your community is where you can see your volunteer efforts making a tangible difference. Even if you live in a neighborhood that does not appear to require literacy support at first glance, there are many marginalized individuals in society. Take Egypt, for example: why isn't the "women's public service" program—an alternative to mandatory military service for young men—utilized in areas with a critical need for education, particularly to help children who have dropped out of school?

7- Establishing In-School Support

Early identification of learning difficulties or disabilities can enable teachers and administrators to assist children struggling with literacy. Children are often capable of "faking it to make it" [masking their difficulties to appear successful].

8- Opening Schools for Evening Sessions

These sessions would aim to eradicate illiteracy among students struggling with reading. They would be mandatory—lasting two hours daily—similar to the practice in South Korea. However, the South Korean model focuses on evening arithmetic instruction to teach complex cognitive processes—such as analysis, synthesis, and application—rather than basic literacy.

Dear enlightened reader... wishing you remain well. Please—do not forget,

#We_ will_ address_ each_ type_ of_ illiteracy_ separately_ in_ this category_ given_ the_ importance_ of_ the_ subject.