OTTAWA, March 21, 2019 /CNW/ - Frontier College, Canada's original literacy organization, released the results of a national research report today. The report reveals how increased literacy enables Canadians to move out of poverty and recommends that governments should recognize literacy as a human right.
"It's time to start a new conversation, one that recognizes literacy as a human right," said Stephen Faul, President and CEO of Frontier College. "This report recommends recognizing literacy as a policy priority and renewing our commitment to this priority to ensure we can unlock the potential of each and every Canadian."
People with low literacy levels are more likely to experience poverty in Canada. One in five Canadians struggles with reading, writing or math, and millions more do not have the essential skills to succeed in today's economy. The stigma surrounding low literacy, and the everyday systems and tasks that assume strong literacy skills, may affect a person's ability to find and use the services they need to lift them out of poverty.
Over the course of the last year, Frontier College and its research partner, The Social Research and Demonstration Corporation, completed a comprehensive review of existing literature, and surveyed and interviewed local and national literacy associations, poverty reduction organizations, service providers, policy makers, researchers, and individuals. The report, funded by the Government of Canada's Adult Learning, Literacy and Essential Skills Program, makes 11 key recommendations including improving integration of literacy and poverty reduction services between jurisdictions, while making literacy a central pillar within a comprehensive national poverty reduction strategy.
"Those with lower literacy levels face fewer opportunities when it comes to jobs, education, housing, and more. At Frontier College, we see first-hand that strengthening people's literacy skills is an effective, low-cost way to improve the well-being for both individuals and communities," said Mr. Faul. "We need to broaden our view to recognize the everyday challenges that families are having that affect their ability to fully enjoy the benefits of Canada's prosperity."
To review the report and its findings, please visit frontiercollege.ca.
About Frontier College
Frontier College is a national charitable literacy organization, established in 1899 on the belief that literacy is a right. We work collaboratively with community-based agencies across Canada to provide targeted, innovative literacy and numeracy support for the most vulnerable Canadians. In 2017, 31,000 children, youth, and adults participated in our free programs in more than 150 communities throughout the country. For more information about Frontier College visit frontiercollege.ca and follow us on Twitter @frontiercollege.
SOURCE Frontier College
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