Why are low literacy levels a problem in Latin America and the Caribbean?
Across Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), too many children fail to attain literacy during their early primary school years, and too many teachers lack the preparation and the materials to teach them. The result is widespread grade repetition, high dropout rates and illiteracy. Illiteracy reduces children’s ability to reach their full potential as individuals, workers, and citizens. On a macroeconomic level, national and regional economic competitiveness is severely constrained. This situation perpetuates the cycle of poverty in LAC.
