Literacy In A Digital World Essay

Literacy, key to inclusive and digital societies

By Izel Kipruto

Every September 8, on International Literacy day, my thoughts go to the illiterate women in Kenya. That many are locked out of opportunities that come with technology, because of illiteracy, disturbs me a lot. This year’s theme, ‘Literacy in a digital world’ reminds us of the need to ensure girls and women have the literacy skills to navigate the digital space. It is sad that, even as we commemorate this day, there are a substantial proportion of women who can’t read and write. Yet, literacy is fundamental, without literacy skills, our women will neither read the word nor the world.

While the majority of Kenyans have access to mobile phones, some even smart phones, full utilization

Think of Sophia, who lives in the remotest part of Kenya. She has a small shop, where she sells basic household goods. She has a simple type of phone that she seldom uses to send and receive money via Mpesa, apart from making calls. Sometimes, her son sends her greetings via text messages, but rarely does she read. At the bank, while trying to apply for a loan to boost her business, she struggles a lot. Sophia has to always rely on someone to help her fill the loan application form. Moreover, Sophia does not know when she is making profits from her business. When she is sick and gets medicine, sometimes, she takes an overdose, she thinks 1x3 means to take three pills at

Sophia has seven children, two have dropped out, three are in school, but enrolled late and the remaining two have not attained school entry age. In school, while attending parents’ day meeting to be updated on the progress of children, Sophia rarely contributes to deliberations, she can’t engage teachers and hold them accountable. At home, she cannot help her children with homework. She can’t read to her children. Uwezo reports have shown that, nationally, 70 per cent of grade three children cannot read grade two level English story in Kenya. Improving learning outcomes will require investing in mothers’ literacy