What is literacy?

Literacy is how people understand and use information. It is how they read, write, and use numbers and communication technology (computers, phone, fax, email, internet). People communicate and use information with every group of people they meet: at work, at home, and in their community.

Functional literacy is the skills people use to read, write, and use numbers for everyday things. People with functional literacy skills can understand and reply to letters. They can complete a form and apply for a job. They can read a drug prescription or a newspaper. They can follow written instructions.

Low literacy is when people don't have the literacy skills they need to do these daily tasks. They have trouble reading, writing, and using numbers.

Why Adults?

• Adults are leaders, parents, and role models.
  
  
• Adults are responsible for the health and well being of their family. This includes elders and children. Adults usually have a job and make money to support their family.
  
  
• Adults make decisions for their family, their community, their region, and for the whole NWT. Good information helps people make good decisions. People with good literacy skills have better access to good information.

What is Adult Basic Education?

Adult basic education is any program that helps people get ready for postsecondary training or employment. Adult basic education is learning to read, write and use numbers and information technology. It is life skills, career planning, upgrading in specific subjects, or work training and experience.