An Example of Adult Basic Education From Britain: The Experience of the “Right To Read” Campaign

Abstract

Drawing on the successful educational experiences in different countries, it might be useful to re-consider adult education in Turkey. With regard to this, Britain’s successful experience with the “Right to Read” campaign in 1978 is well worth considering. In the first place, a developed Western country like Britain considered the issue of “illiteracy” to be an important societal problem. Secondly, a precedent was created regarding the use of technology in Adult Basic Education (ABE) through effective employment of television and radio. The non-profit organizations and societal movements played a central role in this campaign. The “Right to Read” campaign, together with the BBC, worked with non-profit organizations, trusts and associations, as well as universities, and thanks to contributions by these institutions, the campaign achieved a societal form. These various stakeholders which stimulated society raised the awareness of the existing situation regarding literacy in society, catalysed participation and made the project work.