This paper describes the literacy education work being done by two agencies, the Swedish International Development Authority (SIDA) and the Canadian Organization for Development through Education (CODE). SIDA strives to promote economic growth, economic and social equality, economic and political independence, democratic development, the use of renewable natural resources, and protection of the environment. Bilateral assistance is distributed between sectors in a process of country programming in which the recipient country sets the preferences and priorities of how Swedish assistance should be used. In 1988-89, SIDA was involved in assisting projects and programs in 11 countries. SIDA supports primary education by supplying textbooks and other teaching materials, training, and management help. Assistance to adult literacy education has mainly been used for printing equipment, transportation, renovation, local financing of literacy programs, and honoraria to teachers. CODE tries to enable people to learn by developing partnerships that provide resources for learning, encourage self-reliance, and promote awareness and understanding. CODE sends books, paper for local publishing, equipment, supplies, and funds for educational projects in developing nations. The key to CODE's growth has been partnerships, long-term planning, and enabling behavior. (KC)