China's northwestern Qinghai Province has been awarded the 2004 UNESCO Literacy Prize in recognition of its outstanding achievements in fighting illiteracy.

Qinghai has contributed a great deal to eliminating illiteracy among women and ethnic groups and has also worked with farmers and herdsmen to improve their skills.

The prize was also awarded to Mauritius, Brazil.

China has won six Literacy Prizes since 1984.

(CRI December 20, 2004)