09/09/2008
Morocco will receive 17m euros from the European Union to reduce illiteracy by 3% a year and improve the quality and efficiency of the government's literacy programs, particularly those targeting people aged 16-35, MAP reported on Monday (September 8th). According to official figures the illiteracy rate stands at 43%, but press reports and unofficial statistics say it exceeds 60%.
In related news Monday, the Rabat-based Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (ISESCO) called on the Islamic world to take "bold steps" to overcome the "alarming" illiteracy rate in Muslim countries. The appeal was launched to mark World Literacy Day on September 8th.