Literacy Facts
Definition of Literacy - "the
ability to understand and employ printed information in daily
activities at home, at work and in the community
- to achieve one's goals, and to develop one's
knowledge and potential."
- About 22% of Canadian adults have serious problems dealing with printed materials.
- A further 24-26% of Canadians can only deal with simple reading tasks.
- Less than 10% of Canadians who could benefit from literacy programs actually enroll. Barriers such as lack of child care, transportation, and financial problems are some reasons which prevent enrolling.
- Canadians with low literacy skills have lower incomes, higher unemployment, poorer health, and die earlier than Canadians with higher levels of literacy.
- Western Canada and Ontario generally have higher literacy skills than Atlantic Canada and Quebec.
- Older Canadians, seasonal workers, and those employed in the forestry, fishing, and agriculture industries are more likely to have reading difficulties.
- According to the Correctional Service of Canada, the average educational level of newly admitted offenders is Grade 7.
| Frequently Used Acronyms | |
|---|---|
| ALP | Adult Learning Program |
| BSLN | Bedford-Sackville Learning Network |
| CLI | Community Learning Initiative |
| ESL | English as a Second Language |
| GED | General Educational Development |
| LNS | Literacy Nova Scotia |
| NALD | National Adult Literacy Database |
| NLS | National Literacy Secretariat |
| NSSAL | Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning |