Adult Literacy

The funding program "Adult Literacy" in Hesse aims at the sustainable development and expansion of regional basic education centers. Public institutions, non-profit organizations, and companies can submit projects as grant recipients and receive an annual subsidy averaging 83,000 euros over a period of up to 48 months. The core task is the establishment of a decentralized support structure for adults with low literacy skills and functional illiteracy. The regional centers receive defining focal points and offer innovative learning formats to reduce illiteracy. These include low-threshold reading and writing courses, digital basic skills events, as well as measures to raise awareness among multipliers and the personal environment. Volunteer learning mentors are trained, while counseling and information services enable key persons to provide targeted support to those affected. A systematic networking of all relevant local actors ensures synergy effects and sustainable impact.

A prerequisite for funding is proof of institutional and implementation quality as well as professional competence in the field of literacy and basic education. Applicants must submit an expenditure and financing plan as well as a project outline and contribute 10 percent of the eligible total expenses as co-financing. Although no applications are currently being accepted, the program forms the basis for the new funding period 2021–2027 under the title "Promotion of Basic Competencies of Adults with Low Literacy." With the goal of increasing participation in social, professional, and digital life areas, diverse opportunities arise to sustainably strengthen the educational level of adults and reduce social inequalities in the long term.