The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)⁵ launched the United Nations International Literacy Decade in 2003 with the theme of "Literacy as Freedom". The objective is to support the cause of increasing literacy throughout the world (Rutsch, 2003) and is part of a drive to increase education around the globe by 2015 (IRA/UNESCO Join Forces, 2003). Another organization dedicated to promoting literacy, The International Reading Association⁶, recently partnered with UNESCO for a two year cooperative agreement aimed at helping countries ensure that their children "attain a mastery level of reading competencies that enables them to benefit from learning opportunities throughout their lives" (IRA/ UNESCO Join Forces, 2003, p. 1).

⁵ UNESCO is an international multidisciplinary agency for education the sciences, culture and communication. It aims to reduce poverty, increase education, eliminate gender disparity and implement a strategy for sustainable development. UNESCO also acts as a clearinghouse to gather and disseminate information, knowledge and best practices, identify innovative solutions and test them through pilot projects (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, 2003).

⁶ The International Reading Association is a professional membership organization dedicated to promoting high levels of literacy by improving reading instruction, disseminating research and information about reading and encouraging reading. The International Reading Association offers professional development and advocacy, establishes and strengthens partnerships, and promotes global literacy development (International Reading Association, 2004).