Thirteen percent of Saudis are illiterate, with the rate almost three times as high in women as in men, according to Ajlan Al-Sayel, Director General of Adult Education. “Statistics taken at the end of 2009 show that 13 percent of the population is illiterate, with the rate at 6.7 percent in males and 19.4 percent in females,” Al-Sayel said at the conclusion of an anti-illiteracy program in Bisha on Wednesday. “The rate is, however, falling quickly.” Sheikh Rashed Al-Huwaishel, the head of the anti-illiteracy campaign in Bisha, said that 175 persons were given classes in the Holy Qur'an, fiqh jurisprudence, writing, reading and mathematics. “A large number of the campaign's goals were achieved, including tackling some mistakes concerning belief and ablution, nutritional and chronic diseases, and there was also instruction in social skills and how to handle family members,” Al-Huwaishel said. The campaign was one of four being held in Bisha, Al-Leeth, Sabya and Al-Ahsa through which Saudis and foreigners can obtain an Adult Education Certificate equivalent to a sixth grade school qualification.
