Projects from Nigeria, Egypt, Indonesia win 2024 UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy

The 19th China (Qufu) International Confucius Culture Festival opened on Friday with the announcement of the 2024 UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy. Three projects from Nigeria, Egypt and Indonesia were recognized for their exceptional contributions to literacy education.

Established in 2005, the UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy is the first international award named after a Chinese educator by UNESCO. It recognizes exceptional contributions to literacy, particularly among rural adults and marginalized groups, especially women and girls. The award aligns with the philosophy of Confucius, a renowned Chinese philosopher and educator who championed inclusive education and the importance of moral integrity, practical skills and social responsibility.

Nigeria's "FastTrack" program: Developed by the Aid for Rural Education Access Initiative, this program addresses the educational needs of displaced children in conflict-affected regions. By incorporating multilingual education, "FastTrack" promotes both literacy and inter-community understanding. This approach resonates with Confucius' belief in the transformative power of education to bridge cultural divides and promote social harmony.

Egypt's "Illiteracy Eradication Project": Led by Mansoura University, this project aims to eliminate illiteracy in rural Egypt. By offering courses in both Arabic and local languages, it empowers learners and fosters cultural pride. This multilingual model aligns with Confucius's advocacy for education that respects and incorporates local traditions and languages, thereby fostering a sense of cultural pride and identity.

Indonesia's "Sokola Literacy Education for Indigenous Indonesians": The Sokola Institute's program immerses volunteer teachers in indigenous communities, ensuring that literacy education is culturally relevant and respectful. This ethnographic approach underscores Confucius's emphasis on the importance of contextually appropriate education that meets the unique needs of different communities.

The UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy not only celebrates achievements in literacy but also highlights the integration of cultural heritage into educational practices. This year's laureates have demonstrated how respecting and utilizing local cultural traditions can enhance educational outcomes and foster cultural confidence and innovation. For instance, in Indonesia, literacy teaching is scheduled around community activities like hunting and farming, ensuring that local practices and cultural heritage are preserved.

In the digital age, technology offers new solutions for literacy and educational outreach. To address the complexities of multilingual education, Nigeria's "FastTrack" leverages cutting-edge technology with a strong emphasis on individualized support. Innovative tools like the Mavis Talking book and pen, combined with effective teaching methodologies, ensure that multilingual literacy is accessible and engaging.

Egypt's "Illiteracy Eradication Project" employs several innovative strategies, utilizing technology to extend educational opportunities to remote learners through live lessons and interactive materials.

In Indonesia, digital tools are integrated into the learning process to foster mutual understanding through intergenerational and inter-community communication. Students in Sokola's program learn to explore stories, connect them to local customs, interview elders to gain insight into their perspectives and present their findings both within the community and as part of social media campaigns.

The awarded programs illustrate the profound impact of literacy on social and economic development. By improving literacy rates and community cohesion, these initiatives contribute to broader societal goals such as peacebuilding, social harmony and sustainable development. They embody Confucius's vision of education as a means to achieve societal well-being and global harmony. These projects not only enhance individual lives but also strengthen communities, fostering a more inclusive and equitable world.

(Cover image a video grab)