International Literacy Day
September 8 was International Literacy Day, celebrated since 1967. The day promotes literacy throughout the world. Fifty years ago, the world illiteracy rate was 45%. Today it has fallen to 23%. However, in 1995, 19 countries had an illiteracy rate of 70% or higher and in some parts of the world—southern Asia, sub-Saharan Africa and some Arab states—the illiteracy rate is rising.
Although nearly 98% of the world’s illiterate population lives in developing countries, there are remarkable achievements in some countries. In Sri Lanka, for instance, where approximately 650,000 people are displaced because of conflict, the literacy rate is 90%.
How does Canada compare? In Canada, the International Adult Literacy Survey (1994) found that 22% of adults have serious difficulty reading simple printed materials. Although they are not "illiterate," another 20% struggle with the more complex levels of reading, writing or math required for their jobs.
Contrary to popular belief, the majority of people struggling with literacy issues in Canada are not immigrants but people born and raised here. They may have learning disabilities, or life circumstances may have interfered with their learning. At Literacy Plus we believe that everyone can learn and that it is never too late to become literate.
Literacy Plus Calendar
Board members are busy collecting donations and cards for Literacy Plus’s 2005 calendar. The calendars will be ready in late November. Please support the people who support us!
New Book Club
Literacy Plus tutor Doyne Ahern invites interested students to come to a lunchtime meeting once a month in Eganville to read and talk about books. Tutors are welcome to come with their students. You don’t need great reading skills for this club—readers at all levels can participate. The idea is to have fun, enjoy each other’s company, and enjoy reading and talking about books—or even just selections from books.
Plans are to meet at the office the last Monday of the month from 11:30 to 2:00, starting October 25. Bring a sandwich and Literacy Plus will supply tea or coffee and dessert.
The club will look at books chosen by the Golden Oak Book Club for new adult readers. This is Golden Oak’s third season. This year’s titles are a mix of fiction, stories from history, sports and a mystery. Come out to the meeting and help choose what the club will read.
Tutors, please encourage your students to try this out. Come with your student and share the fun!
Call the office for more information and to let us know you’re coming.
Christmas Party
Mark Friday, December 10 on your calendar and plan to come to the Literacy Plus Christmas party. We’re planning a drop-in potluck over the lunch hour, 11:00 to 2:00. Students, tutors and Board members are all invited. We’ll send out details closer to the date.