In a study conducted by Anísio Teixeira National Institute for Educational Studies and Research (INEP), the results from 2021’s National Learning Assessment showed that about 56% of Brazilian students were not literate. Illiteracy in Brazil has become a concerning issue as literacy is a key skill that can facilitate higher education, higher-paying jobs and, in general, an escape from poverty. Nevertheless, there are areas of deprivation in Brazil where education is not as comprehensive as it could be. 

Furthermore, because of the pandemic, which started in 2020, schools in Brazil have been struggling to help their students get up to speed after some years of intermittent attendance. Brazilian schools sometimes suffer from resource scarcity, creating educational inequality. Pupils of schools that benefit from more wealth and allocation of funds generally receive better results than schools with fewer resources, often situated in more deprived areas. 

Though this is typically the case, educators also make do with what they have. All schools have the opportunity to get good results. However, inequality poses a challenge to achieving total literacy in Brazil. 

Adult Illiteracy in Brazil

One issue that is globally prevalent is functional illiteracy. This differs from “absolute” illiteracy in that, while someone may be able to read, they struggle to interpret the information or to read between the lines. The Brazilian Geographical and Statistics Institute (IBGE) states that not finishing 4th grade schooling is one of Brazil’s most significant indicators of adult functional illiteracy.

This means that those who complete at least the 4th grade or equivalent have a much better chance of being functionally literate, a key to being a productive citizen who can contribute even more to the greater society. Nevertheless, in one study, 8% of Brazilians aged 15-64 were not able to read or write, making them absolutely illiterate. Absolute illiteracy in Brazil is a significant factor that contributes to social exclusion and generally worse outcomes in life. Thus, this needs to be addressed urgently. 

The Brazilian Government’s Promise to Reduce Illiteracy

The Brazilian Ministry of Education (MEC) has begun to support the ongoing effort to increase children’s literacy using various approaches. These approaches range from funding scholarship programs to providing educators nationwide with additional resources to capacitate students to read and write entirely. The promise intends to get all children to be literate upon completing 2nd grade. 

The MEC can achieve its goal by working with a wide variety of professionals working in the educational sphere, from teachers to experts in universities and municipal representatives.

Lemann Foundation

Supporting the work done by the government to eradicate illiteracy in Brazil, the Lemann Foundation is a charity based in Brazil that aims to reduce the vast inequality by making sure all children can read by the 3rd grade. Its work includes supporting initiatives with partnerships in the third sector that strive for equality, especially for those with illiteracy in Brazil. 

According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), there are 754 million illiterate adults worldwide, nearly 10% of the population. Despite this, reading is an essential skill in almost all the most desirable jobs. Literacy opens doors to better education, career and critical thinking. Therefore, it is equally vital that illiteracy is eradicated so that poverty can also be eliminated. With that said, illiteracy in Brazil is part of a worldwide cause for concern about literacy inequality.

– Callum Bennett

Callum is based in Colchester, Essex, UK and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

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