Literacy and Lifelong Learning Go Hand in Hand

Literacy

  • 36% of Alberta youth aged 16-25, 40% of adult Albertans, and 80% of Alberta seniors do not have the literacy skills necessary to reach their potential in our knowledge-based society
  • A 1% rise in Canada ’s average literacy skills would yield a 1.5% increase in GDP which translates into a permanent annual increase of $3billion to Alberta ’s economy
  • Reading to children has a substantial positive impact on their:
    • listening, vocabulary and language skills
    • imagination and creativity
    • future academic performance
    • ability to become healthy, active, contributing adults
  • 10 million Canadians are working at a marginal level of literacy
  • Poor learning skills lead to economic marginalization, social exclusion and health issues costing the Canadian economy billions
  • The benefit to society of increased literacy far outweighs the cost of achieving it

Learning

  • Education, training, learning and creativity are the new currency in the global marketplace
  • There is a correlation between learning and wage levels in Canada – each additional year of education a person receives is worth 8.3% more on their pay cheque
  • The higher earnings of individuals with higher levels of education economically benefit society through increased spending in the marketplace and the payment of taxes
  • Learning develops critical thinking and analytical skills required for complex problem solving
  • Learning and literacy are key contributors to the quality of life of individuals, families and communities

Quotes

Beyond reading and writing, literacy is considered “a continuum of learning that enables individuals to develop their knowledge and potential, pursue and achieve their goals, and participate fully in society.”

UNESCO, National Literacy Trust, 2006

“Literacy is the road to human progress and the means through which every man, woman and child can realize his or her full potential.”

Kofi Annan, Former Secretary General of the United Nations

“Literacy is at the heart of all learning and families have a key role to play in developing and nurturing literacy through every stage of life.”

The late Honourable Lois Hole, Former Lieutenant Governor of Alberta

“Literacy frees minds and improves lives.”

The late Peter Gzowski, CBC personality and national literacy advocate

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