TORONTO, Aug. 30, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- UNESCO has proclaimed that September 8th, 2018 is International Literacy Day (ILD). This year’s theme is Literacy and Skills Development. Skills, in this context refers to the knowledge and competencies required for employment, careers, and livelihoods; particularly technical and vocational skills, along with transferable skills and digital skills.
ILD is a global event which was created to bring awareness to the fact that literacy is a matter of dignity and a human right. Literacy is a key element in sustainable development and progress in the workplace, in improving family and personal health and in reducing poverty.
According to UNESCO at least 750 million people globally lack basic literacy skills. In Canada, 48 per cent of adult Canadians have low literacy skills that fall below high school equivalency.
“ABC Life Literacy Canada supports the improvement of literacy skills through the creation of essential programming and educational resources for learners and their families across the country,” said Mack Rogers, Executive Director of ABC Life Literacy Canada. “We are proud to work with a dedicated network of community organizations who, on a daily basis, offer courses and workshops to help learners increase their literacy and build the skills needed to succeed in life.”
ABC Life Literacy connects adults wanting to improve their skills to a learning centre near them through the LEARN/APPRENDRE database, the only searchable database of its kind in Canada at LookUnderLearn.ca or VoirApprendre.ca. The database includes established, not-for-profit community organizations from every province and territory who offer free services. These services can include: reading, writing, math/money management, communication/presentation skills, problem solving, computer use/digital skills, family learning programs, healthy living programs, high school equivalency (GED) preparation, English and French as a second language.
There are many people who would like to improve their literacy skills but don’t know where to find the help they need. In celebration of International Literacy Day, ABC Life Literacy will be launching a new awareness campaign to help guide learners to the database so that they can connect to a learning program in their community. Through supports in the community, learners can develop new skills, increase their literacy and begin the journey towards a more fully engaged life.
To access the LEARN/APPRENDRE database visit LookUnderLearn.ca or VoirApprendre.ca
About ABC Life Literacy Canada
ABC Life Literacy Canada is a non-profit organization that inspires Canadians to increase their literacy and essential skills. We mobilize business, government and communities to support lifelong learning and achieve our goals through leadership in programs, communications and partnerships. We envision a Canada where everyone has the skills they need to live a fully engaged life. For the latest news and information on adult literacy please visit www.abclifeliteracy.ca, follow us on Twitter or join our Facebook page.
For more information, please contact:
Ana Oliveira
Director of Marketing, Communications and Development
T. 416-218-0010 x 121, 1-800-303-1004 x 121
aoliveira@abclifeliteracy.ca