Statement on International Literacy Day

NDP Advanced Education and Skill Critic Dale Kirby (MHA, St. John’s North) has released this statement regarding International Literacy Day.

Tomorrow, September 8, marks International Literacy Day, a day to celebrate literacy and a day the international community sets aside to recognize that literacy is a human right and the foundation of all learning.

This year’s theme for International Literacy Day is “Literacy and Peace” in recognition of the powerful role played by literacy in preventing and resolving conflict, and bringing the world’s communities together for the common good.

Literacy is essential for Newfoundland and Labrador’s economic growth and productivity, for community development, for public health, and for citizenship. Unfortunately, a large portion of our province's adult population has literacy skills that are below the level needed to meet current and forthcoming labour market realities.

The time is overdue for government to ensure there are opportunities for adult learners to improve their literacy skills. Year after year since 2007, the current government has promised to release a Strategic Adult Literacy Plan, but there is still no such plan for adult literacy.

On International Literacy Day, I urge the government to follow through on its commitment and deliver a plan to ensure there are opportunities for adult learners to improve their literacy skills. Let’s make sure all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have the literacy skills they need to access further education and training opportunities.