Why Literacy Matters

Literacy is about more than reading and writing. It includes understanding information, using numbers, and communicating with confidence in everyday life. Today, literacy also includes digital and media skills — tools we all need to learn, work, and take part in our communities.
(Adapted from UNESCO)

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Recent results from the Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) show that almost half of Canadian adults struggle with the literacy skills needed to succeed in today’s world.

 

Strong literacy skills help people:

• Find better jobs and earn higher wages

• Enjoy better health and greater life satisfaction

• Participate more fully in their communities

 

Literacy skills can decline with age, which makes lifelong learning essential. Newcomers may also face language barriers, and literacy programs help build confidence and support successful settlement.

 

 Literacy in New Brunswick

In New Brunswick, the need is even greater. 53% of adults face literacy challenges — one of the highest rates in Canada.

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Improving literacy creates a powerful ripple effect:

• Social impact: Stronger communication, empathy, and civic participation

• Economic impact: Access to stable, higher-paying jobs and reduced health and social service costs

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At Adult Literacy Fredericton, we believe every adult deserves the opportunity to build the skills that lead to independence, confidence, and a better future.