The paper discusses the ideological cultural, economic, linguistic, and motivational background of the functional literacy concept. Brief indications of the professional issues and problems in putting theory into practice included: requirements in planning a functional literacy project, administrative and organizational problems, resources commitment, and personnel development problems. The designing of a functional literacy program was discussed and illustrated diagramatically. Stress was placed on the direct relationship of the functional literature curriculum to the economic activity of the participants and on the inclusion of economic, social, and political development. It was concluded that functional literacy programs must be tested professionally by professional workers; and failures and successes must be assigned to various factors--conceptual, administrative, financial, and expertise. [Not available in hardcopy due to marginal legibility of original document.] (PT)