Literacy is a positive factor in human capacity building. It is an enabling factor, releasing people’s capacities, rather than giving deprived individuals what they do not have. It is the core engine of human development and, in this respect, its impact has to be seen in terms of its benefit to communities and individuals, rather than merely in terms of whether individuals are able to read and write or sign their names. Literacy expands our scope to act, while extending our duties and responsibilities. - CONFITEA, Hamburg 1999