Reading & Literacy
Literacy changes lives by opening the door to economic opportunity and life-long learning.
250 million children worldwide are unable to read, write or do math. USAID works to ensure that children have access to quality education and the skills needed to be productive members of society. The positive effects of education are far-reaching, and drive all development, including the reduction of extreme poverty. Literacy is fundamental to learning, paving the way for education in math and science among other subjects. Simply possessing the ability to read improves the health and well-being of individuals and families, opens up employment opportunities, and mitigates the chances that youth will pursue criminal or violent activities. As such, children who learn to read are healthier, more self-sufficient and have better opportunities.