What is literacy?

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''Literacy is a continuum of learning and proficiency in reading, writing and using numbers throughout life and is part of a larger set of skills, which include digital skills, media literacy, education for sustainable development and global citizenship as well as job-specific skills. Literacy skills themselves are expanding and evolving as people engage more and more with information and learning through digital technology.''  - UNESCO​​

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• Nearly 49% of Canadians still lack the literacy skills needed to succeed in today’s economy (Ref. level 3).​

• Literacy is closely tied to employment and higher wages.

• Higher literacy skills contribute to economic growth.

• As we age, literacy skills tend to decline, emphasizing the need for lifelong learning.

• Literacy affects quality of life, including health, life satisfaction, and community involvement.

• Immigrants tend to have lower literacy skills than native-born. Mastering the English language is crucial for immigrant success, and literacy programs play a key role in integration.

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New Brunswick falls behind

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New Brunswick has one of the lowest adult literacy rates in Canada with 53.4%.

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Improving the level of literacy has been proven to have a significant impact on the well-being of individuals and society as a whole.

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Social Impact

• Build communication, empathy, resilience and civic participation.

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Economic Impact

• Leads to better, higher paying and more stable jobs.

• Lower cost of health care and social services.​​​​​​​​