Poverty can lead to illiteracy:
- Lack of access to education: Poverty often means living in marginalized communities with limited resources, where access to education is scarce or non-existent.
- Opportunity costs of education: In low-income families, the cost of education such as school fees, books, uniforms, transportation, and childcare may be more than what families can afford. Children may be forced to drop out of school to contribute to the family's income.
- Malnutrition and health issues: Poverty can lead to malnutrition and health problems, which can affect children's physical and cognitive development, making it harder for them to learn.
- Lack of educational support: In poor families, parents may have low levels of education themselves, which limits the support and guidance they can provide to their children in their educational pursuits.
Illiteracy can perpetuate poverty:
- Limited employment opportunities: Illiteracy limits an individual's job prospects and earning potential. Jobs that require higher levels of literacy are often better-paying than those available to illiterate individuals.
- Social and political exclusion: Illiteracy can lead to social isolation, as illiterate individuals may have difficulty communicating and participating fully in society. This exclusion can result in limited access to resources and opportunities.
- Health and societal burden: Illiteracy is associated with higher risks of health issues, such as accidents and diseases, which can further strain poor households' finances. Additionally, illiterate individuals are often less aware of their rights and how to navigate social and legal systems, making them vulnerable to exploitation.
- Educational and technological gap: Illiteracy can make it harder to use technology, navigate bureaucratic systems, and keep up with the modern world, further entrenching impoverished individuals in poverty.
Addressing illiteracy requires comprehensive efforts that combine access to education, social welfare, and economic development, all of which can contribute to breaking the cycle of poverty.