Essay --

â€Å"Knowledge is Power.† When people are asked what the key to success in life is, a few things come to their mind: being charismatic, being born into a wealthy family and knowing the right people, have a high paying job, or just plain luck. Although all of the above are true, the true key to success is knowledge. To have knowledge is to have options is to have power. Illiteracy is derived from the lack of knowledge or awareness from people. To eradicate the social divide and economic decline people must first be informed of the causes and effects of illiteracy to draw an affective solution. The impending threats to global infrastructure are not economic collapse, terrorism, climate changes, overpopulation, poverty, or even lack of fossil fuels; it is a deeper and simpler threat- illiteracy, (Top Ten List). The estimated cost of global economy is USD 1.19 trillion dollars. One-fifth of the world is suffering with illiteracy, which means there are more than 796 million people who unable to read or write, (Cree, Kay, and Steward). This large number can be attributed to many causes such as attitudes towards learning, geographical factors, disabilities, and gender bias, (Nayak). Problems are present in third world countries as well as first world countries. These people are â€Å"trapped in a cycle of poverty with limited opportunities for employment or income generation,† (Cree, Kay, and Steward). This cycle of poverty leads to other problems such as crime, dependence on welfare, health issues, unemployment or debt. Illiterate people earn about â€Å"30%-40% less than literate counterparts,† (Cree, Kay, and Steward). The income they make stays consistent throughout their lives. On the other hand, literate people make 2 or 3 times more than wha... ... affects economy because of lost profitability and productivity, (Cree, Kay, and Steward). Constantly having to fix mistakes and losing potential customers are an opportunity cost from having illiterate employees. The cost of finding a skilled staff to fix issues is very difficult for smaller businesses. Illiterate employees make communication harder and often miscommunicate causing internal problems. Illiteracy â€Å"costs a developed nation 2% of its GDP, an emerging economy 1.2% of GDP, and a developing country 0.5% of GDP,† (Cree, Kay, and Steward). Illiteracy limits the ability to access, comprehend, and apply health related issues thus resulting in a household with poor personal hygiene and nutrition. Illiterate people are trapped in a â€Å"cycle of poverty† and are more likely to turn to a life of crime and depend on social welfare and charity, (Cree, Kay, Steward).