::: Star Campus :::

Feature

Literacy for development

Mark T Jones

WHILST much of the Western world suffers from years of monetary dissipation, the developing world is left to contemplate its fate in the economic shadows. For all the hype and backslapping that accompanied the G20 Conference in London the challenges faced by nations such as Bangladesh are truly monumental and dwarf any of the difficulties faced by the finance houses of London and New York.

Geography and demographics mean that the Bangladeshi authorities face a Herculean task. Whether a ministry or an NGO the view from Dhaka is certainly daunting, all the more so as the capital is already the second fastest growing city in the world, one which is well on its way to becoming a metropolis of some 50 million souls by the middle of the century. Elsewhere in the region climatic changes are certain to exacerbate the problem of flooding and this in turn will cause further migration to the cities.

No one should underestimate the problems and these are a clarion call to all, especially those who enjoy high office, to do all in their power to minimise those factors that make matters worse. Bureaucracy, corruption and a sense of fatalism must not be allowed to stifle initiatives aimed at surmounting

various difficulties. It is vital that the nation takes stock and reflects on that which has been achieved to date. Two areas deserve particular recognition:

* Improved maternal health has seen the number of deaths per 1000 live births drop from 65 (2004) to 52 (2007) (UN, 2007)

* Bangladesh has made significant strides in the area of the number of boys and girls enrolled in primary and secondary education. (BSS,2007)

Such progress has come about largely as a result of greater economic prosperity and co-ordination. Yet the harsh global economic situation now threatens to undermine such progress. It is essential that educators, entrepreneurs and those charged with the responsibility of helping the nation hold their nerve. Clear conviction and determination will be required if this remarkable land is to weather the vicissitudes of the coming months and years.

Whilst Bangladesh is quite right to seek assistance from the likes of DFID and the Japan International Co-operation Agency, essentially Bangladesh will need to find solutions to its own problems. It needs to prioritize and then set to it with purpose.

Considerable economic progress has been made over the last quarter of a century, which leads me to suggest that the nation makes literacy its prime target. According to the United Nations Development

Programme (2007-2008) Bangladesh lies 164th out of 177 in the world rankings with literacy at a mere 47% (90% in Indonesia and 49% in Pakistan). All academic studies show that there is a direct correlation between poor literacy levels (for both men and especially women) and underperformance economically and in the areas of health and hygiene. Education is clearly the way ahead.

The writer is Director of External Affairs, The London College of Management Studies

5th Asian Universities Debate begins

THE 5th Asian Universities Debating Championship (AUDS) 2009 began last week. East West University (EWU) hosted the event in partnership with Oxford International School. The event was inaugurated on 14th May 2009 and will run till May 19. Around 276 participants (69 teams) from Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand and the Philippines will compete in the event. Participants form seven public and private universities of Bangladesh will represent the country in the event.

“It is indeed an honour for our country to have earned the privilege to host such a quality and prestigious event and show off the debating and intellectual skills of our young generation," said Prof Mohammad Sharif, Vice Chancellor of East West University, at the press conference. Jalaluddin Ahmed, president of Board of Directors of East West University, also spoke at the press conference.

Source: The Daily Star