Literacy refers to the skill base that enables people to participate and adapt to change in the workplace, the home and community life. It provides a foundation for further learning and includes the following:
In a society that is becoming more complex, and in an economy that is increasingly competitive, literacy skills are critical. In fact, in a knowledge-based economy literacy is the skill base for labour productivity. The widespread adoption of information and communication technologies (ICT) requires that individuals have literacy skills and can apply them in a technical environment.
Ideally, early childhood experiences and schooling provide a strong literacy foundation. Our adult experience, training and schooling should provide the enhancements to this foundation. Literacy skills are basic for a person’s development as an adult learner.
In 2003, Canada participated in the International Adult Literacy and Skills Survey (IALSS) which measured prose literacy, document use, numeracy skills, problem solving and the use of information and communication technology. Canada’s performance was in the middle when compared to other countries and ahead of the United States. Manitoba was generally situated at the Canadian average.
A closer look at the Manitoba IALSS results indicates that approximately 40% of working age Manitoba adults had literacy scores at level 1 and 2 on the survey scale. This represents approximately 285,000 Manitobans between the ages 16 and 65 with literacy scores below level 3, which is considered the minimum level for full participation in a knowledge-based economy and society. While a high percentage of this group is employed, their literacy skills limit their employment opportunities and ability to adapt to change in the workplace. This poses challenges to employers seeking a labour force with higher literacy skills required for the problem solving and creativity needed in a competitive and technological global market.