In Latin America, eight out of ten children reach the age of 10 without understanding what they read. This phenomenon, known as “learning poverty,” deepens inequalities and limits opportunities for millions of students across the region. To help change this reality, Instituto Natura has joined Fundación Arcor, Fundación SURA, and the Institute for Educational Evidence (IEE) in a regional coalition focused on promoting literacy at the appropriate age.

The initiative brings together different stakeholders and countries around three central objectives: making literacy a priority on public agendas, generating stronger political commitment to the issue, and strengthening the implementation capacity of the public policies needed to address the problem at its roots.

“Literacy at the appropriate age is the foundation of equity and one of the keys to unlocking Latin America’s development. At Instituto Natura, we understand that it is necessary to move from isolated efforts and experiences to true coalitions that mobilize and support public policies. This alliance among foundations was created precisely to consolidate transnational collaboration. By joining forces, we can advance the right to read and write at the appropriate age as a non-negotiable commitment for our entire region.” said David Saad, CEO and President of Instituto Natura.

A collaborative ecosystem to address the challenge

The actions undertaken by the coalition will complement and boost local strategies aimed at improving reading and writing skills.  More than 300 civil society organizations participate across the initiative’s six focus countries — Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru — where transformation on the ground will continue to be driven by joint efforts between the public sector and various partners.

Together, these countries represent nearly 70% of Latin America’s population and already have networks and institutions working to support the implementation of literacy public policies and strengthen advocacy and mobilization around the issue.

Through this regional collaboration, an unprecedented Literacy Movement in Latin America is taking shape, connecting experiences, evidence, knowledge, and leadership committed to guaranteeing the right to learn for millions of children across the region.