Overview
Bible Society Australia is supporting the United Bible Societies China Partnership (UBSCP) in providing literacy classes for rural Chinese Christians, many lack formal education and are unable to read and write. When Christians acquire literacy skills, it boosts their confidence in social interactions, thereby improving their community life. It also empowers them to engage actively in church services and understand God’s word for themselves.
According to Global Data, China’s literacy rate reached 99.8% in 2021. With an estimated population of approximately 1.4 billion people in 2021, this translates to about 2.4 million individuals aged 15 and above who were non-literate that year.
Most Christians in rural China lack formal education and are unable to read and write. Many of them are elderly Christians though they deeply desire to read God’s word in their final years. The need for literacy classes is significant, especially among these elderly Christians. Improved literacy also helps to address the church’s concern over the widespread infiltration of cults, found mainly in rural areas. Biblical literacy will help Christians discern between true and false teachings and prevent believers from being swayed by heresies.
Statistics
- 37.75 million non-literate adults in China
- 90% of Mandarin speakers who are non-literate or semi-literate are elderly
- 80% of Mandarin speakers who are non-literate or semi-literate are women
If the appeal is oversubscribed or the project changes due to unforeseen reasons, we will reallocate remaining funds to similar projects.
