Laos: Literacy by Listening


Overview


This project provides reading skills to people throughout Laos who have missed out on literacy education, contributing to individual and community growth and enabling better interaction with authorities. The literacy program also enables participants to read the Scriptures for their own personal growth and to more actively participate in church life.

Approximately 84.7% of the 7.5 million people in Laos are considered literate. While the enrolment ratio and attendance rate for primary school students is high, secondary school attendance drops radically to around 42%. There is also disparity between the literacy levels of men (90%) and women (79.4%) across the country.

The Lao people group represent 55 per cent of the population and have good access to education. However, the other 45 per cent of the population is composed of ethnic minorities who often live in remote mountain areas. This typically hinders access to education, resulting in a very low literacy rate for minorities.

This project aims at reaching out to this neglected population and the underprivileged in Laos.

Statistics

  • 7.5 million people in Laos
  • 45% of the Laos population are ethnic minorities
  • 20% of Laos men are unable to read or write
  • 40% of Laos women are unable to read or write

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