Censorship in the digital age is reshaping the boundaries of free speech, balancing efforts to curb misinformation with challenges for creative expression.
by Anna Hall Explore the journey of global adult literacy, highlighting its significant progress and the ongoing challenges older generations face. Discover the disparities in literacy rates by age and gender, and learn about organizations working to improve adult education worldwide. Credit: NPR (Pinterest) Through the centuries, society has expanded beyond the imaginations of those who walked the same Earth thousands of years ago. One constant amid this progression is the principle that knowledge shapes capability. Education has always been one of the most critical processes for a flourishing life. The more one knows, the greater the opportunity to excel. Education has evolved as human understanding and exploration continue to grow, and an aspect of education that is integral to one’s quality of life is literacy. Around the world, literacy rates have improved significantly over the past two centuries. In 1820, only one in ten people were literate, whereas today, only about one in ten people are illiterate (Roser & Ortiz-Ospina, 2024). Literacy is an essential tool for the productivity and prosperity of not only the individual but also society as a whole. Global Literacy Today, the global literacy rate stands at 86.3%, a significant increase from 56% in 1950. National and global efforts to raise literacy rates have made significant impacts on reducing poverty, economic growth, improving health and preserving cultural heritage. While much of this progress has focused on providing free or accessible primary and secondary education, adult literacy has often been overlooked. According to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS), 750 million adults still lack basic reading and writing skills as of 2017 — two-thirds of whom are women. Additionally, UIS reported that in 2016, the adult literacy rate was only 86%, compared to 91% among youth (UNESCO, Literacy rates continue to rise from one generation to the next, 2017). The disparities in literacy rates between adults and children indicate that concerted efforts to reduce illiteracy have prioritized the younger generations. Though ensuring future prosperity by investing in the youth is provident, as a society we should also ensure the prosperity of those who are alive today. Adult Literacy and Disparities Adult literacy rates vary widely by country. Some nations boast near-universal literacy among their citizens, while others report their adult literacy rates between 30-40%. UNESCO defines literacy as the ability to read and write brief statements which are used for day-to-day interactions. However, the criteria for literacy vary across countries. Broad statistics often mask disparities within adult literacy, such as differences in age groups and gender. For example, an article by Roser and Ortiz-Ospina for Our World in Data highlights age-related data on literacy rates by two different groups—15-24 and 65+. The difference between adult literacy among those aged 15-24 and 65+ in Morocco is 82% and 14%. In Algeria, 92% of adults 15-24 are literate, while 16% of adults 65+ are (Roser & Ortiz-Ospina, 2024). As for gender disparities, as of 2021, 90.22% of men were literate as compared to 83.51% of women (Dyvik, 2024). Global Adult Literacy Organizations Several global organizations are dedicated to promoting adult literacy. ProLiteracy is a leading organization that provides funding, training, and resources to improve adult literacy programs. The organization was born from the coming together of the Laubach Literacy Foundation and the Literacy Volunteers of America, two organizations born from the desire to show people within their communities the transformative power of literacy. UNESCO’s Global Alliance for Literacy is a collaborative effort between 31 countries to improve youth and adult literacy. One success story from the organization involves a training program it launched with a community learning centre in Bangladesh to provide training on the effective use of technology in teaching and learning. Both organizations take innovative and collaborative approaches to tackle adult literacy challenges. The world has come far in its journey toward universal literacy. Every year, it sees improvements in overall quality and access to literacy. Though challenges remain, the progress achieved so far proves that there is hope for a future where everyone, regardless of age or gender, has access to education. With the continued dedication of organizations such as ProLiteracy and UNESCO, no one will be left behind, especially older generations who were previously overlooked. Literacy, after all, is the foundation upon which a thriving future is built. References UNESCO. (n.d.). Literacy rates continue to rise from one generation to … UNESCO Institute for Statistics. https://uis.unesco.org/sites/default/files/documents/fs45-literacy-rates-continue-rise-generation-to-next-en-2017_0.pdf Dyvik, E. H. (2024, July 4). Literacy rate by gender worldwide 2022. Statista. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1220131/global-adult-literacy-rate-by-gender/ Roser, M., & Ortiz-Ospina, E. (2024, March 6). Literacy. Our World in Data. https://ourworldindata.org/literacy Roser, M., & Ortiz-Ospina, E. (2024a, March 6). Literacy. Our World in Data. https://ourworldindata.org/literacy
In 2010, I made a bold decision to choose the Upper West Region of Northern Ghana for my national service, despite the skepticism of friends and family.
The holiday season is here, and at Global Writers Project (GWP), we’re spreading festive cheer with the return of our Penpal Community! ? This year, we’re introducing a unique and creative celebration: The 12 Days of Christmas: Writers Edition—a fun way for writers worldwide to connect, share, and create together. What is the 12 Days of Christmas: Writers Edition? It’s a holiday-themed writing journey where paired penpals participate in 12 days of creative activities designed to inspire and delight. From writing letters to crafting poetry and sharing festive traditions, this initiative is a wonderful way to rekindle connections and celebrate the season through words. The Activities Each day comes with a special activity: Why Join? How to Join Looking Ahead The 12 Days of Christmas is just the beginning! We’re reviving the Penpal Community to keep the connections alive year-round. Expect themed activities, workshops, and more exciting opportunities in 2025. Ready to celebrate the holidays with creativity? ? Sign up now and let the writing magic begin! Stay tuned for updates and share your journey with us using #GWPHolidayWrites!
The resource curse, also known as the paradox of plenty, describes the troubling phenomenon where resource-rich countries, particularly in Africa, struggle with poor economic performance despite their abundant natural wealth.
Transnational organized crime poses a significant threat to global security and stability. These criminal networks operate across borders, engaging in illicit activities such as drug trafficking, human smuggling, and money laundering. As law enforcement agencies struggle to keep pace with their evolving tactics, it becomes crucial to understand the complexities of these operations.
At Global Writers Project, we believe in the power of words to reflect on the past, inspire change, and capture the moments that define us. This year has been a journey of triumphs, challenges, and unexpected turns, and we want to hear your unique perspective on it! We are excited to announce our What a Year This Has Been Short Story and Poetry Competition. This is your chance to share your reflections, creative expression, and narrative of this remarkable year. Submission Guidelines: Why Participate? This competition is not just about showcasing your writing talent; it’s about capturing the essence of a year full of change and reflecting on how we move forward as individuals and as a global community. Your voice matters, and we want to amplify it. Join us in celebrating the power of storytelling and the resilience that defines this year. We can’t wait to read your submissions! For any questions, please get in touch with info@globalwritersproject.org.
In a world where solitude is often cherished, many introverts find themselves grappling with feelings of emptiness despite thriving in their personal lives.
After reviewing an array of beautiful and inspiring submissions, we are proud to unveil “Ink & Impact: The Power of Writing”, a publication that features selected works from the challenge. This publication is a heartfelt tribute to the creative power of words and the writers who wield them. The Challenge The Power of Writing Challenge invited participants to submit short pieces of up to 300 words. Whether in the form of poetry, personal reflections, or stories, the challenge encouraged writers to explore what writing means to them and how it shapes their world. The response was overwhelming, with submissions that captured the beauty, strength, and resilience found in the act of writing. Each piece offered a unique lens, showcasing the power of storytelling to connect us across experiences and emotions. Selected Works Out of the many outstanding entries, eight remarkable pieces were selected for inclusion in the publication. These works represent a diverse range of voices, all united by their shared belief in the transformative potential of writing: Each piece delves deeply into what writing means to the author, from personal healing and empowerment to advocacy and social change. Honoring the Honorable Mention We extend special congratulations to Deborah, whose piece, “A Writer’s Strength,” earned the Honorable Mention for its emotional depth and universal relatability. Her work beautifully encapsulates writing as a path to healing and a bridge to empowerment. The Chapbook: Ink & Impact “Ink & Impact: The Power of Writing” is the culmination of this challenge. This publication isn’t just a collection of writings—it’s a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring magic of words. From introspective poetry to stories of triumph, the chapbook explores the many ways writing impacts our lives. It’s a must-read for anyone who believes in the power of storytelling to change the world. Reflections from the Editor Rasika Sittamparam, editor of the publication, shared her thoughts:“I admire how each contributor used the written word to channel emotions, convey truths, and inspire change. Writing, at its core, is a reflection of the world inside us and around us, and this chapbook is a celebration of that power.” A Thank You to Our Writers To everyone who participated in this year’s challenge, thank you for sharing your voices and stories. Writing is more than just words on a page—it’s a connection, a legacy, and a source of strength. You’ve reminded us of this truth in the most beautiful way. What’s Next? The Power of Writing Challenge was just the beginning. As we celebrate this publication, we’re already looking forward to the next opportunity to bring writers together. Stay tuned for future challenges, events, and projects from the Global Writers Project. For now, we invite you to dive into the pages of “Ink & Impact: The Power of Writing” and experience the magic for yourself. Get your copy and join us in celebrating the power of writing!
— by maibrahimblog It would not be far-fetched to say that social media is as essential as basic necessities like water and air—especially for young people, who would likely agree. Today, social media holds the status of near-necessity, particularly among youth. Defined as “interactive technologies that facilitate the creation, sharing, and aggregation of content (such as ideas, interests, and other forms of expression) among virtual communities and networks” (Wikipedia, 2024), social media consists of platforms where people from all walks of life can express themselves freely. With more than 5 billion users worldwide (Abbasi & Hswen, 2024), social media’s reach is vast and continuously expanding. Almost every day, a new social media application or platform emerges, adding to the roster of popular names such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, Twitter, Telegram, Snapchat, WeChat, TikTok, and many others. This rapid growth and adoption are clear indicators of social media’s significance in modern life. The Rising Importance of Social Media in Daily Life Social media allows users to create, share, and connect over diverse content, giving everyone a voice. Today, over 5 billion people engage with platforms such as: For many young people, social media has become an integral part of life, providing a space for connection, creativity, and self-expression. The Negative Effects of Social Media on Youth Young people are the primary users of social media applications, especially those that are not work-related. Like most things, social media has pros and cons, raising the question: At what age should children and young adults be allowed to use it? In response to this dilemma, Vivek Murthy, the U.S. Surgeon General, recently proposed a warning label on social media platforms stating that “social media is associated with significant mental health harms for adolescents.” He reasons that such labels “would regularly remind parents and adolescents that social media has not been proven safe” (Abbasi & Hswen, 2024). Psychologists’ empirical research indicates that the human brain’s rational part matures at age 25 or later. “It doesn’t matter how smart teens are or how well they scored on the SAT or ACT. Good judgment isn’t something they can excel in, at least not yet” (URMC, 2024). In essence, youth brains may not be mature enough to ward off potential dangers. Psychologists also emphasize the importance of “sleep” for healthy brain function. Lack of sleep is one of the harmful side effects of social media, along with exposure to inappropriate content, attention problems, feelings of exclusion, and various mental health issues (Ehmke, 2024). The Mayo Clinic further outlines the impact of social media on children and youth, including “distracting them, disrupting their sleep, and exposing them to bullying, rumor spreading, unrealistic views of other people’s lives, and peer pressure” (Abbasi & Hswen, 2024). Benefits of Social Media for Youth Engagement On the positive side, social media enables “the sharing of ideas and information, including text and visuals, through virtual networks and communities” (Abbasi & Hswen, 2024). Consequently, it is no surprise that social media use is prevalent among young people, with up to 95% of youth ages 13 to 17 regularly engaging with these platforms (Chapman, 2024). Social media seems to provide adolescents with validation, fulfilling certain psychological needs typical of adolescence. However, not all aspects are beneficial. “Social media is also very good at spreading disinformation, creating polarization, and even causing harmful psychological effects” (Abbasi & Hswen, 2024). Tragically, some young people have lost their lives through suicide as a result of bullying, feeling that they could never measure up to the beauty standards promoted on these platforms (Luxton et al., 2012). Having recognized these harmful effects, several European countries have implemented measures to protect youth from social media’s detrimental impacts. Other nations are encouraged to follow “the steps of the United Kingdom and the European Union in passing laws that take into account what kids need when they’re interacting with digital products” (Chapman, 2024). Social media is a double-edged sword for young people, offering both connectivity and challenges. While it can enrich lives, unmonitored usage may expose youth to harm. Protective measures and mindful usage can help mitigate the risks, ensuring that young people enjoy the benefits without compromising their well-being. References
