Household Literacy Survey 2011 in Eastern Highlands Province and Autonomous Region of Bougainville, Papua New Guinea
If the current trend in adult literacy continues in Papua New Guinea the country is likely not to achieve the Education For All Goal 4 which aims at a 50% improvement in literacy by the year 2015.
In 2000 there were an estimated 1,352,000 illiterates, by 2008 this had increased to 1,618,000. The lack of accurate and reliable data has been an issue and the degree of mastery and use of literacy skills has been difficult to determine.
This survey was conducted and the report was produced as part of of the Capacity Development for Education for All (CapEFA) programme in Papua New Guinea, coordinated by the UNESCO Office for the Pacific States. The report summarizes the findings of a household literacy survey, conducted in Eastern Highlands Province and Autonomous Region of Bougainville, Papua New Guinea, in 2011, coordinated by the Papua New Guinea National Statistical Office (NSO) and the National Literacy and Awareness Secretariat (NLAS) of the Department of Education.
This survey used a methodology developed by UIS-AIMS Unit at UNESCO Bangkok Office to collect information from household surveys relating to the literacy environment and the use of literacy skills in everyday life in Papua New Guinea. It presents an in-depth perspective on how households access reading materials and learning venues and how people use these skills, from reading simple messages to producing more sophisticated documents, in their daily lives. Information gathered on literacy practices can help planners to design more effective literacy policies and action plans to better disseminate these skills in Papua New Guinea.
The reports provides extensive details on the survey methodology and results. This includes the predominant reliance on formal schooling to improve literacy levels indicating the need to systematically expand literacy programmes, non-formal education and lifelong learning opportunities in Papua New Guinea.
Conclusions from this study may help to generate more in-depth knowledge on the issues surrounding literacy in Papua New Guinea and strategies for the future.
For more information, please contact Mr.Toshiyuki Matsumoto (t.matsumoto (at) unesco.org) at UNESCO Apia office.
---
Household Literacy Survey 2011 in Eastern Highlands Province and Autonomous Region of Bougainville, Papua New Guinea
UNESCO Apia, 2013, 120p.
<- Back to: UNESCO Office in Apia