. . . an individual’s ability to listen, speak, read, write, view, represent, compute and solve problems in one or more of the NWT official languages at levels of proficiency necessary to function in the family, in the community and on the job. (p. 5)

Literacy, in its broadest sense, is a foundation for wellness. It is empowering. It lets people take control of their lives and participate fully in society. Low literacy, on the other hand, may adversely affect people’s lives both directly or indirectly. For example, people with low literacy:

• May not be able to read the instructions on medicine, or contents on food labels.
• Are more likely to have poorer health and live a shorter life.
• May be unable to participate fully and meaningfully in the lives of their families, communities and society.
• May feel ashamed and have low self-esteem.
• May end up in trouble with the law.
• Are more likely to be unemployed or earn less money.
• May not be able to read with their children.
• Are more likely to have children with low reading skills.

In the NWT, low literacy is a concern, because many adults reach adulthood without the knowledge and skills to achieve their personal or career goals.

A Range of Adult Literacy Programs

Learners in adult literacy programs often come with a broad range of needs, not just a need to improve their reading, writing and math skills. They may not have experienced success in school; they may not have completed their schooling; they may have had personal life experiences that have acted as barriers to learning. Now they need a variety of opportunities to develop literacy and other basic skills that will meet their needs as individuals, as family members, as community members, as employees and as members of society.