What does living with low literacy skills look like? Research paints the picture of systemic discrimination, a life in poverty, and reliance on community services. Those with low literacy skills often: must rely on others; have low self confidence; want to know but not sure what; find change difficult to make or sustain; are generally less optimistic.

Literacy in the province must be the concern of all its citizens. Those with higher literacy skills may not perceive that they are affected by the implications of these startling statistics. But the odds are that they know someone who is limited by low literacy skills or they interact with clients or employees who may be struggling with literacy issues. It is crucial that everyone sees the social and economic necessity of addressing the problem for the strengthening of us all.

Blame cannot be shifted to the education department and the problems forgotten. Nor can years spent in school be necessarily equated with attaining the skills to cope in today's ever-changing and complex world. Many people have slipped through the cracks for a myriad of reasons. These individuals must not be abandoned and admonished to be merely more ambitious.

Many of these people are parents and have dreams for their children. Some of these dreams may go unrealized due to the parents' limited literacy skills. It is now accepted that parents are a child's first and most important teachers. A child's first few years are critical to his future development. Fostering literacy means more than telling them to read to their children. Surely parents must be supported in raising and nurturing this next generation.

With 60% of the population experiencing difficulties reading and writing adequately, most service groups and service providers work with and for people struggling with literacy challenges. Thus they are well situated to champion efforts to resolve the issue. Although their main mandate may not be promoting literacy, sensitivity to the matter plays a critical role in service delivery and helping clients to achieve their goals.