Is the internet helping more people read? Today, fewer people are illiterate than ever before in history. Some think the internet is the key.
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Age of universal literacy no longer a dream
Is the internet helping more people read? Today, fewer people are illiterate than ever before in history. Some think the internet is the key.
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What's happening?
Kelbesa Negusse is the smartest child in the village. But he does not go to school.
At eight years old, Kelbesa can already speak and write in English.
Find out more
Kelbesa is from Ethiopia. His village is called Wenchi. There, literacy is very low. Most of the adults cannot read or write.
An American university set up a project in Wenchi. All the children were given a tablet. Now, they can read and write.
Matt Keller organised the project. He says: "The kids have already learnt more than they would have in one year of kindergarten."
This Wednesday is International Literacy Day. In 200 years, the world has got much better at reading and writing. In 1820, only 12% of people could read and write. Now, 86% can.
Some people think the internet could be the reason. But others say it stops us enjoying books and fiction.
Is the internet helping more people read?
Some say
Of course! The internet makes the world more equal. It helps people learn and connect with each other. And in the pandemic, it made sure children could still have lessons. Soon, the whole world will be able to read and write!
Others think
No! Having teachers and lessons is the best way to learn to read. The internet can be distracting. It might help us learn to read. But then we will only use it to play games and watch videos. We should stick to what worked in the past.
Key words
Ethiopia - A country in East Africa. It is thought to be one of the oldest countries in the world.
Literacy - The ability to read and write. To be illiterate is not to be able to read or write.
Tablet - A mobile device with a touchscreen. Each tablet had an internet connection and children were allowed to use them as they liked.
Kindergarten - In the USA, a year group at school for five to six-year-olds.
International Literacy Day - A special day to remind people about the importance of reading and writing around the world.
Pandemic - A disease that quickly infects lots of people and spreads across a big area. Covid-19 is a pandemic.
Age of universal literacy no longer a dream
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