Literacy in Asia: A Continuing Challenge. Report of a Regional Experts Meeting, Bangkok, 22-28 November 1977.

In its summary of the literacy situation in thirteen Asian countries, this report analyzes the problems created by illiteracy and makes recommendations to aid in its eradication. Recognizing that illiteracy prevents people from participating in or contributing to their nation's development, part 1 in its general report develops a model national plan for literacy action. The major components of this plan are as follow: (1) government programs and national policies need to focus on the illiteracy problem; (2) all levels of governmental and community efforts need to be coordinated for maximum effectiveness; (3) staff for literacy programs need to be specially trained; (4) instructional materials and curriculum should be competency-based and suited to the characteristics and environment of the learner; (5) literacy action should be viewed as part of an educational continuum; and (6) research and evaluation in adult literacy should be undertaken. Areas for international cooperation are also identified. Part 2 includes reports from each of the thirteen countries on its present literacy status, problems, programs, and proposed solutions. The statistical analysis in part 3 is divided into two sections: one gives illiteracy data from twenty Asian countries, and the other shows the educational attainment level of eighteen Asian countries, focusing on the population with less than a secondary education. Comparisons are drawn between countries, sexes, urban and rural dwellers, rates of illiteracy education over time, and age. (ELG)