Written communication is becoming ever more important. Anyone who is excluded cannot make full use of common digital devices, is unable to access vital information and deprived of options for making their views resonate. Every child must learn to read and write. That is not enough, however. Most writing is not self-explaining. To understand messages, people need a basic understanding of the contexts in which writing is used. Without it, gender justice or social justice cannot even be imagined.

This focus section pertains directly to the UN’s fourth Sustainable Development Goal (SDG): Quality Education. It also has a bearing on other SDGs, including SDG 5 (Gender Justice), SDG 8 (Decent Work) or SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

Written communication is becoming increasingly important Literacy matters Nepali boy attending rural primary school. Child Aid Child Aid