Lever of Change

Adult Literacy and Foundational Learning

Literacy and education are critical components of poverty reduction. Calgary Learns, akin to UNESCO, sees literacy as a human right.

It is estimated that one in five adults faces daily literacy and numeracy challenges for a variety of reasons like poverty, access to schooling, mental illness or instability in the home, the residential school legacy, systemic 'isms, undiagnosed or unaddressed learning disability. This means these adults also face knowledge and skills gaps that can get in the way of meeting day-to-day needs.

Literacy, numeracy, the skills and habits needed to engage in learning, the ability to use basic digital technology, and proficiency in the English language are core skills. Albertans need to be able to participate actively in society, pursue further learning, and be successful in their work, which makes literacy essential. 

The Let's Talk Poverty podcast explored how improving literacy levels can shift the needle on poverty reduction. Listen to the episode.

Each lever of change links to one or more of the 94 calls to action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Adult Literacy and Foundational Learning links to #2, #6, #7, #8, #9, #10.1, #10.2, #10.6, #11, #12, #53.3, #55.2, #55.3, #57, #59, #61.3, #62, #63, #64, #69.3, #86, #87, #92.2, and #92.3.