The Poverty Trap: How Illiteracy Holds Back Peru’s Development

Peru, like many developing countries, faces a persistent poverty trap. A major contributing factor is the high rate of illiteracy, which limits opportunities for individuals and hinders the country’s overall progress. The lack of basic literacy skills prevents people from fully participating in society, accessing decent employment, and exercising their rights. The story of Maria Quispe Ito, a 51-year-old artisan from Puno, exemplifies this struggle. Forced to work instead of attending school as a child, she later faced barriers in pursuing education as an adult. This lack of education left her vulnerable, dependent on her husband for managing her small business. The economic impact of illiteracy is significant. While education investment generates high returns, Peru’s low investment in education perpetuates the poverty trap. This is because, as economist Arthur Lewis theorized, countries with high inequality and abundant cheap labor often lack incentives to improve education. However, there is hope. Initiatives like the literacy program by the Dispurse Foundation are empowering individuals like Maria to break free from the cycle of poverty through education. These programs serve as a testament to the transformative power of education and highlight the need for greater investment in educational opportunities for all.