The second dimension relates to knowledge - being excluded from the world of reading and communication. Human Development Report 1997 UNDP Access to information and reading materials is critical for the success of education and training and for development which aims to alleviate poverty and inequality. Yet the information gap between rich industrialised nations and developing countries has never been greater and is continuing to widen.
New technology offers exciting opportunities to help close the gap, and it is vital.
So too is the book, especially when many communities do not have reliable electricity supplies, let alone the resources to acquire new technology. When education systems are severely overstretched, funding for teachers' salaries takes priority over learning materials. Yet the latter are critical, since many teachers, particularly in primary schools, are themselves untrained. In these circumstances, the book becomes the principal teaching and learning resource. Local publishing companies face many problems.