Literacy is closely linked to indicators reflecting basic needs such as education, capacity building, information and communication, and the role of major groups. The literacy rate indicates the status, or stock of iterates at a given point in time. It is often linked to school enrolment ratios and population reaching grade 5 of primary education, both of which influence the accumulation of the stock of iterates. This is the goal of most national efforts and international campaigns to eradicate illiteracy. The World Declaration on Education for All to be achieved by the year 2000.
Literacy is a reflection of the total education experience.
It is an essential element for effective participation in sustainable development processes, and represents a Driving Force indicator within the DSR Framework. As literacy is a relative concept, no single measure can separate the literate from the illiterate. A cut-off point is not totally appropriate because there are many different forms of literacy. A person might be literate in numeric terms, but have difficulty with comprehension. Literacy can be defined in terms of work, school, home, and social spheres.