Information about the funding initiative

To mark United Nations Literacy Decade (2003-2012), the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) has launched a funding initiative for research and expert-led development activities in the field of adult literacy/basic education during the period 2008-2012. The aim of UNLD is to significantly reduce the number of (functional) illiterates worldwide by the end of the decade and to establish basic education as a universal human right. For developed countries such as Germany, this not only involves the introduction of preventive measures in schools, but also increased efforts to provide for educationally disadvantaged adults and enable basic education for all.  Adequate reading and writing skills form the foundation for lifelong learning. They are necessary capacities that equip citizens to recognise their democratic rights and enter professional life.