Developing a successful community-supported literacy program: the Adivasi-Oriya-Telugu adult literacy and development project

This paper was presented at the International Literacy Year Colloquium in October 1990, in Washington, D.C. The thesis of the paper is that literacy is the foundation for community development. The paper documents the development and success of the Adivasi Oriya-Telugu literacy program in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India. Teachers and supervisors are local people. The importance of timeliness and good teaching is emphasized, as is the importance of adequate literacy materials. Achievement is recognized and rewarded. The close connection between literacy and development is demonstrated. The program achieved a remarkable level of success and is moving toward self-management and self-sufficiency.