What is Adult Literacy?
Statistics indicate 781 million adults lack basic literacy skills.1 Illiteracy is most prevalent in developing countries, with one in every two adults lacking such skills.2 But what does that mean? What is adult literacy?
The specific definition of literacy can vary by culture and time period.3 Most statistics regarding adult literacy include individuals aged 15 and older.
Literacy generally refers to basic reading and writing skills as well as the ability to perform simple math calculations, also called numeracy.
The specific skill level required to achieve “literacy” varies according to the specific definition used.4 In the 1930s and 1940s, for instance, literacy referred simply to the ability to read and write a message, but more recent definitions focus on effective application of these skills, or “functional literacy.”5
According to UNESCO,
“Literacy is the ability to identify, understand, interpret, create, communicate and compute, using printed and written materials associated with varying contexts. Literacy involves a continuum of learning in enabling individuals to achieve their goals, to develop their knowledge and potential, and to participate fully in their community and wider society.”6
The National Council of Teachers of English broadens the scope of literacy beyond simple reading and writing skills to how we interact with the world around us and how we communicate with others, whether that communication is via reading and writing or by speaking, listening and creating.7
Regardless of the specific definition, literacy is foundational to education.
Yet, in low- and middle-income countries, 53 percent of children don’t gain basic reading skills by the end of primary school, and the level is as high as 80 percent in poor countries.8
According to Concern USA,
“Students who struggle to read … are more likely to drop out of school before they can complete a basic education.”9
These individuals are more likely to enter adulthood illiterate, which hinders economic opportunities and everyday tasks. Illiteracy can also cause shame and contribute to low self-esteem.10
In contrast, says UNESCO,
“Literacy empowers individuals and improves their lives by expanding their capabilities to choose a kind of life they can value, a driver for sustainable development.”11
Simple reading and writing skills, along with basic math skills, greatly improves a person’s chances of success, and increased literacy skills within a community enhances the entire society.12
Given the importance of literacy and education, many organizations promote literacy in various ways to improve lives as well as society. GFA World, for example, empowers children through the educational assistance of its child sponsorship program and empowers women through adult literacy classes.
1 Giovetti, Olivia. “6 Benefits of Literacy in the Fight Against Poverty.” Concern Worldwide US. https://www.concernusa.org/story/benefits-of-literacy-against-poverty/. August 27, 2020.
2 Rolz, Isabella. “How Literacy Reduces Poverty.” The Borgen Project. https://borgenproject.org/how-literacy-reduces-poverty/. February 21, 2016.
3 Imel, Susan and Shelley Grieve. “Adult Literacy Education. Overview. ERIC Digest No. 40.” ERIC Digests. https://www.ericdigests.org/pre-921/adult.htm. Accessed December 29, 2021.
4 Imel, Susan and Shelley Grieve. “Adult Literacy Education. Overview. ERIC Digest No. 40.” ERIC Digests. https://www.ericdigests.org/pre-921/adult.htm. Accessed December 29, 2021.
5 Imel, Susan and Shelley Grieve. “Adult Literacy Education. Overview. ERIC Digest No. 40.” ERIC Digests. https://www.ericdigests.org/pre-921/adult.htm. Accessed December 29, 2021.
6 Montoya, Silvia. “Defining literacy.” http://gaml.uis.unesco.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2018/12/4.6.1_07_4.6-defining-literacy.pdf. October 17-18, 2018.
7 Peterson, Amber. “Literacy is More than Just Reading and Writing.” NCTE. https://ncte.org/blog/2020/03/literacy-just-reading-writing/. March 23, 2020.
8 “What is Learning Poverty.” The World Bank. https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/education/brief/what-is-learning-poverty. April 28, 2021.
9 Giovetti, Olivia. “6 Benefits of Literacy in the Fight Against Poverty.” Concern Worldwide US. https://www.concernusa.org/story/benefits-of-literacy-against-poverty/. August 27, 2020.
10 Mains, Karen Burton. “Literacy: One of the Great Miracle Cures.” GFA World. https://www.gfa.org/special-report/literacy-miracle-cure-illiteracy/. September 3, 2019.
11 “International Literacy Day.” UNESCO. https://en.unesco.org/commemorations/literacyday. Accessed December 29, 2021.
12 Mains, Karen Burton. “Literacy: One of the Great Miracle Cures.” GFA World. https://www.gfa.org/special-report/literacy-miracle-cure-illiteracy/. September 3, 2019.