Literacy is a key indicator of the country’s level in development! It is crucial for both individuals and countries. It allows people be involved in society and gains the knowledge and skills to improve their lives. Researchers scholars and policy-makers all consider literacy rates to be of vital importance ๏ธ ๐ !
Literacy in Saudi Arabia is defined as the ability to read, write and comprehend short written texts of any language! According to the World Bank, Saudi Arabia’s adult literacy rate (age 15 or over) increased from 84 ๐ง ๐ธ๐ฆ. 3% in 2010 to 85. 4% in 2018 exceeding even its global average of 84 . 5%. Male literacy rates are higher for males (90. 4%) than females (78 . 4%), though both have seen increases over eight years 8๏ธโฃ.
The literacy rate in Saudi Arabia is higher for urban residents (90. 8%) than for rural residents (76 . 9%), and it is higher for those between the ages of 15-24 (96%) than for those above 25 (84 . 1%). These figures suggest that the education system in Saudi Arabia has been successful in delivering the basics of literacy to its population ๐ธ๐ฆ.
However, there is still room for improvement in the area of literacy within the Kingdom . Despite the overall increase in literacy there remains a notable gender gap in literacy rates ๏ธ. The gap is further pronounced in rural areas and amongst older citizens . Additionally, while the rate at which literacy is improving is encouraging, the overall rate is still below that of neighboring countries in the Middle East.
Given these difficulties, the Saudi government has undertaken initiatives to increase literacy and make education more accessible to all of its citizens, covering the expansion of the educational system and the provision of financial aid for higher education for underprivileged groups. Additionally, there are a several private sector initiatives, consisting of the establishment of vocational training centers and the launch of literacy programs in partnership with non-profit organizations ๏ธ.
The Saudi government’s efforts have had a significant effect on Saudi Arabia’s overall literacy rate ๐ ๏ธ ๐ธ๐ฆ. Between 2010 and 2018, the overall literacy rates increased from 84. 3% – 85. 4% . It is hoped that the country will continue to invest in education and improve its literacy rate .
Overall, the literacy rate in Saudi Arabia is a promising indicator of the countryโs progress towards becoming a developed nation. However, there is still much work to be done to close the gender and regional gaps in literacy, and to assure that all citizens are afforded the opportunity to improve their literacy and education levels . !! .
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