Kumasi, (Ashanti Region) 9 Nov. The Non-Formal Education Division (NFED) is to commit 17.4 million cedis to the growth and development of 15 selected income generating literacy groups under the second phase of its direct support scheme in the Ashanti region. Already the NFED has injected 6.85 million cedis into the expansion and growth of eight literacy groups in the region. Mr. James Owusu-Ansah, Ashanti Regional Coordinator of the NFED, announced this in Kumasi when Mr. A. A. Akuoko, Director of the NFED, paid a working visit to the region. He noted that currently leaders of the 15 groups are undertaking a basic management training course to adequately prepare and equip them with relevant skills in the application of the funds and management of the projects. Mr. Akuko dismissed speculations in certain quarters that the literacy programme was limited to teaching learners only how to read and write. He said the functional literacy programme was all embracing and comprised various components including avenues for instilling and equipping learners with skills to improve their social and economic status.