2006年12月真题短文2(1/2)

More than 50 years ago, the United Nations declared that literacy is a basic human right.

It's very important for improving the lives of individuals,

However, it is estimated that 818 million adults around the world are illiterate,

That is, they are unable to read or write.

A majority of them are women.

More than 110 million school age children in the world do not attend school.

Many others complete school or fail to finish their studies without learning to read or write.

Many countries depend on the efforts of people who offer their time to help illiterate individuals.

For example, John Mogger became concerned about the problem of illiteracy three years ago,

So he started teaching five prisoners in Brazil.