Literacy is considered to be a human right—and a tool of personal empowerment
Literacy is considered by the United Nations to be a human right, a tool of personal empowerment and a means for social and human development. Educational opportunities, particularly, depend on literacy. This year’s International Literacy Day—held on September 8th—put the spotlight on the empowering role of literacy and its importance for participation, citizenship and social development.
Despite many and varied efforts, literacy seems to remain an elusive goal. According to The Canadian Council on Learning, nearly half of Canadian adults don’t possess enough literacy skills to understand a public bus schedule or keep up with technological advances in the workplace.
We speak with Margaret Ames, an outreach tutor coordinator with Literacy Central Vancouver Island, and with Margaret Eaton, president of ABC Canada.
