Statistics show that four out of ten adults, ages 16 to 65 - representing 140,000,000 North Americans - struggle with low literacy. Sadly, 25% of adults are functionally illiterate. Simply put, they cannot read a newspaper. While public education is mandatory and free to all, this does not guarantee successful learning. With many remedial programs, learning centers and adult education facilities available to those with low literacy skills, why is there still such a great problem?

The obvious challenge is that people who can't read are difficult to communicate with through the media. Many adults are unaware of the difference it could make in their lives since they have been surviving without it so far. There is also a wall of shame that is difficult to penetrate. Most people who cannot read or write well, have hidden it for so long that they are afraid to admit they have a problem for fear of be thought of as stupid. Many people with low literacy skills believe that they are "slow" or unable to achieve a higher level of literacy.

For others, lack of finances is a problem. The millions of adults who have low literacy are about twice as likely to be unemployed. The cycle of poverty and illiteracy are intertwined. Welfare recipients make up 65% of the illiterate population. Studies show that when a parent does not graduate from high school, their children are likely to struggle with low literacy and possibly follow in their shoes. With low income and low literacy, the battle to break the cycle is somewhat daunting.

The problem of illiteracy affects our countries in many ways. Literacy is not a personal choice that only affects one person or even their family for that matter. Statistics Canada reveals the direct link between poverty and illiteracy:

There is a correlation between literacy and wage levels in Canada. A Statistics Canada study indicates that each additional year of education a person receives is worth 8.3 per cent on their pay cheque. Using an annual base salary of $30,000, this amounts to an additional $2,490 per year. (Literacy, Numeracy and Labour Market Outcomes in Canada, Statistics Canada, 2001)

The 9 million Canadian adults who have low literacy are about twice as likely to be unemployed. (International Adult Literacy and Skills Survey (IALSS), 2005

We know that poverty has its own issues that not only affect the family but society as a whole. There is a gap between the educated, healthy and wealthy citizens and the impoverished illiterate that is growing rapidly. Illiteracy is one problem that can be solved and will have an impact on poverty, health and employment issues.

Literacy is something that most people take for granted. We begin our day reading the shampoo bottle in the shower, then the hot cereal instructions at breakfast, the road signs on the way to work and from there, most of our tasks involve not only reading but comprehension as well. We rarely consider what it would be like if we were unable to read. Creating awareness about this topic while remaining respectful and honouring another's dignity is a great challenge.

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