1,000 Readers Campaign
Important Literacy Statistics for El Salvador
General Statistics:
- 43% of Salvadorans (about 63 million) live outside the El Salvador, 90% of which live in the United States or Canada.
- In 2007, 19.9% of the Salvadoran population was illiterate. Currently, thanks to the efforts of the Ministry of Education (MINED), the number has been lowered to 14% (about 500,000 people).
- 60% of those who cannot read or write are women.
- The highest concentration of illiteracy is in the age group of 25-59 year olds.
- 8% of children do not attend elementary school and that number jumps to 40% for secondary school.
- MINED’s goal is to reduce illiteracy by 8% by the year 2014!
Regional Statistics:
San Miguel
- The literacy program began in 2009 and since then, with the help of over 4,000 volunteers, 12,000 people have been freed from illiteracy.
- However, 24% of the population is still illiterate.
Usulutan
- As of 2011, there are 513 people to teach.
- 348 people are currently participating in the literacy circles; 112 men and 236 women.
- There are 72 literacy circles in the municipality and 99 volunteers.
The 1,000 Readers Campaign is Organized by SABES
The Student Alliance for the Benefit of El Salvador (SABES) is a student group on the campus of Eastern Michigan University that works in solidarity with the SHARE Foundation, to promote literacy and education, provide accessible health care, offer leadership positions to women and unite communities in an effort to obtain human rights in El Salvador.
Email: rthoma35@emich.edu
Location: Eastern Michigan University, Oakwood Street, Ypsilanti, MI
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/191309957670143/