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ABOUT LITERACYWhat is literacy?Literacy is a whole lot more than just being able to read and write! It encompasses a diverse set of inter-related skills that enable an individual to gain access to information, acquire knowledge, learn, understand and communicate in a variety of settings: at home, at work, and in the community. UNESCO states: “'Literacy' is the ability to identify, understand, interpret, create, communicate, compute and use printed and written materials associated with varying contexts. Literacy involves a continuum of learning to enable an individual to achieve his or her goals, to develop his or her knowledge and potential, and to participate fully in the wider society." There is a growing recognition that literacy is an important enabler for living, learning and earning a living. Having good literacy skills makes it possible to learn all other skills, to better reach one’s potential and fully participate as a member of society. UNESCO goes on to state: "Those who use literacy take it for granted - but those who cannot use it are excluded from much communication in today's world. Indeed, it is the excluded who can best appreciate the notion of 'literacy as freedom'." Therefore, literacy is a powerful agent of freedom and personal actualization. Those who are illiterate are thus excluded from society. Literacy helps build a strong economy, a skilled workforce and a healthy province. People with good literacy skills enjoy a higher standard of living, have better opportunities for finding a job, and are able to continue to learn new skills that will help them in the workplace. Strong literacy skills help to build strong families and communities. The home is the place where children begin to develop their attitudes towards learning and reading. The time parents and children spend reading together can be a very positive part of their relationship. Literacy also opens doors for people to take a more active role in their communities. More than 1/3 of Saskatchewan adults experience challenges daily because of low literacy. Literacy is more than reading and writing. Literacy is…
What Literacy Means…Learn More About LiteracyClick on the following links to learn more about literacy in our community, our province, our country and our world. Literacy and Saskatchewan The latest information about literacy in our community, province and country The Movement for Canadian Literacy - Data and information on literacy in Canada Prose Literacy Scores Office of Literacy and Essential Skills Statistics Canada United Nations’ Literacy Decade Links to other Saskatchewan organizations concerned about literacy: Learning Disabilities Association of Saskatchewan (LDAS) Saskatchewan Aboriginal Literacy Network Saskatchewan Literacy Office Saskatchewan Literacy Network Links to National organizations: ABC CANADA Literacy Foundation Canadian Council on Learning Frontier College Learning Disabilities Association of Canada Grass Roots Press - Adult Literacy & ESL Resources Movement for Canadian Literacy (MCL) National Adult Literacy Database (NALD) Inc. NALD@Work National Indigenous Literacy Organization |
in collaboration with READ Saskatoon.
…citizenship related. Whether casting a ballot in an election, participating in a community forum, accessing programs and services, defending civic or human rights, advocating for change, or volunteering, an effective democracy requires its citizens to be informed and engaged.