ISESCO calls Islamic countries to firmly address illiteracy

The Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO/based in Rabat) called Islamic countries' governments, Ngo's and national institutions to address the plague of illiteracy with firmness.

In a message to the Islamic world on the occasion of the world literacy day marked on September 8, ISESCO, an offshoot of the Organization of the Islamic Conference, calls all those who have the ability to act, directly or indirectly, both at the governmental and non-governmental levels, to make more efforts to eradicate illiteracy. The organization also urges for new working methods in the field and for material and moral motivations to encourage various categories to adhere to the process, considering that literacy is the basis for constructive and lasting development.

For the organization, fighting illiteracy in the Islamic world is, first of all a responsibility, a mission and an Islamic duty, as well as a vital necessity if Islamic societies are to lead a sound life.

"There can be no renaissance in any field as long as illiteracy is still widely spread in the Islamic world at rates that range between 60 and 70%, or even 80% among women, particularly in the country side, villages and remote areas," the ISESCO message reads.

The organization further considers illiteracy as an impediment to development efforts and to progress.