This day is set aside to highlight the importance of literacy and the concerns about improving literacy levels in our communities.
According to the United Nations General Assembly, about 774 million adults worldwide lack the minimum literacy skills. About 75 million children do not attend school on a regular basis.
In Canada we have heard the statistics that say four in ten people lack the basic literacy skills necessary to function in today’s society.
New information from an Ipsos Reid poll say about 90 per cent of Canadians agree that literacy skills are critical to their quality of life and to improving the country’s economy.
The poll says despite the perceived awareness about literacy, some people do not initiate upgrading or literacy workshops.
We know in Temiskaming there are a number of post-secondary institutions willing to offer upgrading courses and specialized trades training to those that take advantage of their services.
We have the services of the Literacy Council of South Temiskaming at our disposal as well.
But the question remains, how to successfully motivate or inspire adults to take upgrading? The Ipsos Reid poll results say that people for no apparent reason, hold back or are not given the opportunity to learn.
Local libraries should also be commended for the services and programming they provide often free of charge.
Many agree that government support is critical to improving the literacy levels of Canadians.
Not only is government support important to improving literacy levels and quality of life, but at the local level, communities can and should take steps to address their residents’ literacy levels.
Showing support for those that may want to learn is important, removing any stigma associated with low literacy levels would work as well.
Literacy actually begins at birth, a child develops a love for learning and reading generally promoted by his or her parents, siblings, and other family members.
Parents must be proactive, teach their children to love learning, love school and work with educators to maximize children’s potential.
Make available a wide variety of reading materials in the home, such as books, magazines, newspapers and computers.
Newspapers have a vested interest in promoting literacy obviously because it is in their best interests to make sure people can read their product.
Newspapers are perhaps the most easily affordable source of information available in our communities.
In an ideal world, by the time a child reaches puberty, hopefully the seeds of early learning begin to pay off as they map their future educational direction.
Those that increase their learning power, increase their earning power and quality of life.
