Illiteracy does not only mean the inability to read and write but it tags derelictions of duties, pessimism of intellectuals and non-resistance against the abuse.
Illiteracy leads to lack of understanding, unemployment, degraded jobs, lower income, low self-esteem, health problems, increased crime rates, drug abuse, lack of technological advancements, increase in poverty level and the list goes on.
Illiteracy is a social problem. As per general perception, it is an extreme form of educational failure which can be defined as the state in which one lacks the ability to read and write, an inability to utilize language, going into depth, illiteracy can also be defined as the lack of knowledge or awareness in a particular subject. Someone who is unable to efficiently perform the tasks of reading and writing, is said to be an illiterate.
However, in Western Europe: those that cannot read and write are not just illiterate they are disabled! Illiteracy does not only mean the inability to read and write but it tags derelictions of duties, pessimism of intellectuals and non-resistance against the abuse.
The causes of this problem are many and varied, which include widespread poverty, corruption, an inadequate number of schools, lack of trained teachers, weak economic conditions of families, lack of resources, social and cultural thinking, undiagnosed disabilities, uneducated parents, gender discrimination, class system, parents who are illiterate, lack of reading materials, child labor and so the list goes on with never ending roots of illiteracy.
Illiteracy leads to lack of understanding, unemployment, degraded jobs, lower income, low self-esteem, health problems, lower GDP, increase crime rates, drug abuse, lack of technological advancements, slow national development, increase in poverty levels, generational illiteracy and the list goes on.
Looking up all these hazards, it is crystal clear that illiteracy is a social problem, it is a national crisis that affects each and every one of us. We can help to fight illiteracy through some proper ways or tips, which are to sponsor education, donate in kind, volunteer, inclusive education, increased investment in government schools, vocational training, and teacher training and changing social norms.
Illiteracy is appalling even though it is 1% but it is like a poisonous fish in the mighty ocean, Illiteracy is a social problem and one of the major societal issues that is present in the world. Governments and individuals should ensure that they take steps to ensure that they curb illiteracy in the society.
Kashif Abbas and Pervaiz Rind
Students of English department at Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University Shaheed Benazirabad
