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International Literacy Survey Identifies Importance
of Lifelong Learning
September 12, 1996 marked the release
of the Canadian report on the International Adult Literacy Survey
(IALS). The report underlines some important messages:
- As a society, we need to value and practice lifelong
learning.
- There are demandable links between an individual's level of
literacy and their economic prosperity.
The fundamental story of literacy in Canada remains the same as
it was five years ago. Significant numbers of adult Canadians have
low level literacy skills that constrain their participation in
society and in the economy.
About 22% are in level two. These people can process material
that is simple and clearly laid out, and material in which the
tasks involved are not too complex. They read, but not well.
Literacy skills fall within a continuum. Reading, writing, and
numeracy skills need to be practised and upgraded to keep pace
with rapidly changing technology, both in and out of the
workplace. Strong literacy skills enable workers to meet new
challenges and to adjust to changing markets quickly. Literacy has
a direct effect on the ability of people and companies to maintain
an economic edge in an intensely competitive environment.
Lifelong learning begins in the home. As parents and caregivers
of children, we can create a learning culture by making reading
and writing part of our family routines.
Volunteer literacy tutors play an essential role in providing
practical community-based solutions to the illiteracy problem. The
message of the IALS survey supports the work of LLC's 10,000
trained volunteers.
Highlights of the report as well as a backgrounder are available
on the Internet sites of
Statistics Canada,
Human
Resources Development Canada, the
National Adult Literacy Database
and the NLS.
Contact the Development Office if you would like a copy of the
Canadian results.
James
B. Morrow, President
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