1963Education
Literacy Corps
Revolutionary program that dramatically reduced illiteracy rates across Iran.
Key Impact
Reduced illiteracy from 85% to approximately 50%
Historical Context
The Literacy Corps (Sepāh-e Dānesh) was established in 1963 as part of the White Revolution. Young educated Iranians served their mandatory military service by teaching in rural areas. The program sent over 100,000 teachers to remote villages, reducing illiteracy rates from 85% to approximately 50% by 1977. Schools were built across the country, and education became accessible to millions who previously had no opportunity to learn.
Year
1963
Category
Education
Impact
Reduced illiteracy from 85% to approximately 50%