Literacy and Civic Participation
Literacy skills are necessary to reap the full benefits of citizenship. Being civically literate means having the knowledge to actively participate and initiate change in your community and the greater society.
“A fully engaged, participant citizenry is key to social and economic strength and vitality. But to participate fully in civic life, citizens must have the skills necessary to access and to act upon information. Whether casting a ballot in an election, participating in a community forum, accessing programs and services, defending their civic or human rights, or advocating for needed change, an effective democracy requires its citizens to be informed and engaged.”
-- Strengthening Our Literacy Foundation is Key to Canada’s Future, Movement for Canadian Literacy, April 2003
Civic participation is what makes democracy work best – but it requires that all Canadians are able to educate themselves on the issues.
Stories
Wherever learning happens, it needs to be supported.
“As an empowerment right, education is the primary vehicle by which economically and socially marginalised adults and children can lift themselves out of poverty, and obtain the means to participate fully in their communities.”
- Koïchiro Matsuura, UNESCO Director-General
