Literacy 101
Literacy is about much more than just reading and writing — it is about how we communicate in society and how we prepare for a changing world.
Supporting literacy means ensuring that people have the necessary skills and knowledge to fully participate in their workplace, in their community, and in society. Literacy enables a person to exercise his or her right to participate in the workforce, in governance, to affect decision-making, and to make one's voice heard.
The International Adult Literacy and Skills Survey (IALSS) defines literacy as “the ability to understand and employ 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.”
While the terminology varies - literacy, lifelong learning, adult education, foundational skills, basic skills, essential skills – the goal of the literacy field is consistent: Improving the skills of individuals in order to improve their quality of life at home, at work and in their community.
What will you find in this section?
This section provides statistics relating to literacy and adult learning in Ontario, information on the literacy field in Canada and Ontario and tools to make literacy and adult learning a high priority in the next provincial election.
Why invest in Literacy?
“Learning is not attained by chance. It must be sought for with ardor and attended to with diligence.”
- Abagail Adams
