THE ROLE OF UNESCO TOWARDS LITERACY PROGRAM IN INDONESIA (2006 - 2011)

Abstract

The Issue of Education is a domestic problem which needs global cooperation in overcoming the problem. Education is assumed plays a great role in country’s development, thus countries in the world agreed to improve the quality of education within an international cooperation. UNESCO as the International Organization which concerns its objective in education leads the movement of member countries to disseminate the important of education and provides member countries a forum to discuss further about education. Literacy is the minor problem of education which consider as the basic needs to have wider education. Literacy is the ability of people in literature, which is to read and write. Definition of literacy in each country will be different so as the standard of literacy. But every country believes by eradicating illiteracy, a better life will be received. Literacy is considered as the basic human right because by being literate, people will capable to involve in broader society. In practice, literate society is not easy. Problems such as economic, culture and geographical are factors that hinder the progress to literate people. Countries realize the importance of literacy for their people and future, thus - through UNESCO - countries bind their commitment into a movement to eradicate illiteracy. Related to literacy movement in Indonesia, UNESCO provides strategic policy, target and goal under the Education for All and Literacy Initiative. UNESCO tries to strengthen the commitment of Indonesia in combating illiteracy by monitoring the progress of illiteracy eradication and also provides forum for member-countries including Indonesia to share experiences and knowledge about literacy movement in each country thus each country could learn from each other to implement the best way to combat illiterate people. The role of UNESCO towards literacy movement in Indonesia is not that much, but it gives significant influence towards the eradication of illiterate people.