Over 700 million lack basic literacy skills
At least 773 million young people and adults worldwide lack basic literacy skills.
The staggering finding was revealed by the SA National Commission for UNESCO chairperson, who says the Covid-19 pandemic hit harder on the education system, as closures affected more than 1.6 million pupils.
While the globe celebrates International Literacy Day on Wednesday, Ihron Rensburg says the country has made great progress in improving its literacy rate.
Rensburg was hosting a webinar with the Department of Basic Education on Tuesday.
He says reading and writing skills have become essential to access life-saving information.
"In our growing technological and information-rich environment, digital skills are considered to be part of basic literacy skills as the ability to use devices, communication applications and so on is becoming prerequisite for full and active participation in learning and work. A critical component in any literacy programme is effective educated training."
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