Congo and Chad launch initiatives to combat high illiteracy rates

On International Literacy Day, governments in the Republic of the Congo and Chad announced initiatives to combat high illiteracy rates through expanded infrastructure and technological integration.

In the Republic of the Congo, where the illiteracy rate is estimated at 20%, the government is strengthening its framework by opening new centers in Djambala, Kifoulou, and Doudou. Minister Jean-Luc Mouthou emphasized that literacy efforts will expand beyond basic reading and writing to include digital skills, media education, and sustainable development to foster autonomy and citizenship.

In Chad, the illiteracy rate remains significantly higher, estimated between 75% and 77%. Dr. Ali Koré of the National Curriculum Center reported that while over 140,000 people have benefited from existing programs, rural areas face severe shortages of teachers and infrastructure. Challenges include linguistic barriers, prompting calls for more pedagogical materials in local languages. Dr. Koré also highlighted the potential for mobile technology and artificial intelligence to support self-learning.