The purpose of this booklet is to acquaint the general public with the problem of illiteracy and the effort being made to deal with it. Past and present programs by governments, voluntary groups, and other bodies (especially UNESCO) in such countries as Turkey and Mexico, the need to motivate literacy students and assure effective economic and psychological rewards, the role of professional teachers, volunteers, and the armed forces in literacy campaigns, large scale instruction by radio and television (as in Colombia, Mali, Senegal, Brazil, and the United States), the often difficult choice of the language or languages of instruction, and the preparation of practical, adult-centered literacy materials and supportive reading matter, are major aspects and problems of the worldwide literacy movement. UNESCO is presently experimenting with a limited, selective approach to adult basic education in 35 member states. (ly)