In a video interview she gave during the workshop, HRH Princess Laurentien underlines the importance of literacy as a powerful means for building self-confidence and empowerment of illiterates. She recalls her first encounter with adults who could neither read nor write when she was pursuing her Masters degree in the United States.
Organized by the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), of which UNESCO is a member, the workshop involved 26 African countries, donors, NGOs and other partners, and aimed to improve children’s reading skills through the development of country action plans and knowledge sharing,
Princess Laurentien’s participation was a clear sign of her outstanding support and commitment to the promotion of literacy. Five short interview segments highlight her impressions of the workshops and her continuing work to fight illiteracy.