What is Literacy?
Literacy is a word that describes the skills needed to read, write and to do math. It’s about being able to understand information to improve your life.
The Adult Literacy Survey (IALS), defines literacy as “the ability to understand and employ printed information in daily activities, at home, at work, and in the community – to achieve one’s goals, and to develop one’s knowledge and potential”.
"Literacy in its simplest form is the ability to read, write, and use numbers. It is an essential building block for life-long learning, employment, health, and the wellbeing of people."United Way/ City of London Report: Literacy in London and Middlesex: An Opportunity to Reach our Full Potential.(December 2007)
Did you know?
Literacy is not an all-or-nothing concept. There are a range of literacy skills and abilities that people have. Some people can’t read or write at all. Some people can do this, but they can only understand easy-to-read information. Other people are able to read and write very well.
On a daily basis we are sending and receiving more information, now more than ever. We need strong literacy skills to get through the day successfully.
How do we use our literacy skills?
Here are just a few ways:
Connecting with others
- Writing a note
- Sending an email
- Texting
- Making a phone call
- Blogging
Health
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Work
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Home
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Community
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What can literacy skills do for a community?
Literacy skills help us to participate fully in what our community has to offer. These skills help us to reach our goals as individuals and as a community.
"For communities, literacy plays a key role in ensuring a vibrant and healthy society with strong economic, social, educational, and recreational opportunities."United Way/ City of London Report: Literacy in London and Middlesex: An Opportunity to Reach our Full Potential.(December 2007)
The Power of Literacy
"It is hard to identify any other single issue that can have such a large payoff to individuals, the economy, and society than literacy". September 2007, report by TD Bank Financial Group
Other words to describe literacy:
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Did You Know?
According to a recent study, almost 50% of Canadians do not have the necessary literacy skills to function effectively in today's society.
| Social Problem | Literacy Can Help! |
|---|---|
| Low literacy affects employment stability and opportunities. | We need literacy skills to find employment and to keep employment. |
| Low literacy represents a massive loss of productivity in our labour market. | We need literacy skills as a country to attract new businesses and to have success in the trade industry. |
| Low literacy could lead to crime and violence. | We need literacy skills to empower us and to participate in our community. |
| Low literacy youth could become disadvantaged adults. | We need literacy skills to have more choices for a successful future. |
| Low literacy affects health. | We need literacy skills to read prescriptions, directions and preventative information. |
| Low literacy people are less likely to vote. | We need literacy skills to be informed and to participate in the democratic process. |
For more information see "Literacy Facts" at http://www.llsc.on.ca
Let’s start learning!
This year in Ontario over 42,000 people will decide to increase their reading, writing and math skills. You could be one of them...
"Our vision is a community where every individual is invited, encouraged and empowered to improve their literacy and numeracy skills, engage in life long learning, improve their quality of life, and contribute in a meaningful way to our community."United Way of London & Middlesex Media Release, Community Action Plan to address literacy
"Let other people know there's nothing to be embarrassed about. You can do anything you want if you set your mind to it."A successful learner -Doug Crew, London Free Press, Dec 6, 2007
