Students dropout rates are 3 to 4 times bigger in rural areas. Often children are needed for house chores or they are simply put to work. The ‘isolation’ of rural areas, old traditions, and the generic lack of information slows social progress. Literacy programs like the one managed by the Women Association in Wadi al Jamus can dramatically change these situations and, in parallel with public schools, create a much more efficient system. *’source: ortablu team’*