This monograph explores the literacy problem in the Commonwealth Caribbean Countries and highlights research in the region which underscores the seriousness of the problem of illiteracy as we approach the year 2000, designated as the year for achieving the objective of literacy for all. Some of the causes of the literacy problem are examined and a case study is presented of the Functional Literacy of Out-of-School Youth in Guyana. This study showed that only a small majority of the OSY are functionally literate, with a majority achieving at a moderate level of functional literacy. Statistically significant differences in achievement in functional literacy according to gender highest level of education attained ethnicity and employment status are reported. Drawings on the imagery of the legendary phoenix whose consumption by fire symbol the state of adult education today, the author puts forward suggestions on how adult education and adult literacy in particular can be regenerated from ashes. These include the need to (a) recognize that literacy is a problem in the region; (b) use more reliable and visual methods for measuring, adult literacy so that more accurate information can be given to the international data base and (c) adopt a more holistic approach to educational planning which embraces adult and continuing education and giving the latter a more dynamic role in national development. The author underscores the importance of political will if the problem of illiteracy is to be addressed and to stress the need for opportunities in society for all persons of various levels of literacy to improve the literacy skills in order to keep up with the changes demands of increasing technology.

General