Blackboard Newspaper

October 30, 2012 10:05 AM

Liberia's blackboard newspaper (via)
posted by roll truck roll (5 comments total)

> 25% of men and 60% of women who are literate

That's an unusual statistic, in that women's literacy rates in the developing world are almost always depressed in comparison to men's rates. I would guess the civil war and use of boys as child soldiers might have something to do with that.

I can't, however, find any other source that agrees with this number. I wonder where it came from?
posted by Panjandrum at 10:26 AM on October 30, 2012

Some may look at this as a practical but unsophisticated approach to news in a country with high illiteracy.

But look at those glasses and tie: I see a Liberian hipster reviving the fine traditions of 17th century London coffee houses. He even has spices for sale. This will be hitting Williamsburg and Shoreditch in two years, mark my words.
posted by MuffinMan at 10:41 AM on October 30, 2012 [2 favorites]

Wow, I used to pass by Alfred and his blackboard fairly often when I lived in Monrovia. Glad to see he's still providing this unique and helpful service.
posted by clockzero at 10:49 AM on October 30, 2012 [2 favorites]

Panjandrum, I wouldn't be surprised if that was a typo, and supposed to be illiterate. The context is

Now that the war is over, Sirleaf is struggling to access the 25% of men and 60% of women who are literate. To this end, Sirleaf has devised a series of pictures and objects to symbolize the news.

posted by ChuraChura at 12:44 PM on October 30, 2012 [1 favorite]

Saw this, I thought it was great!
posted by BlackLeotardFront at 12:21 AM on October 31, 2012