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Insight: Aug 23

This week Insight asks why do so many Australians have poor literacy?

Jenny Brockie

This week Insight asks why do so many Australians have poor literacy?

Jenny Brockie hears from Australians from all ages and backgrounds who have lived a life with low literacy in a world that assumes that they don’t exist.

We may not be aware of it, but most of us know someone who struggles with reading and writing.

Around 44 per cent of adult Australians have literacy levels that make everyday tasks – like filling out a form or reading a prescription – very difficult. Sadly, our numeracy levels are worse with over half of Australian adults scoring low on international surveys.

Literacy standards in 21st Century Australia have increased dramatically. Computers and our digital age demand high-level literacy skills, while jobs that may have required minimal reading or writing now involve extra checks and balances like filling out OH&S reports.

But low literacy goes far beyond simply being able to read and write. Individuals with gaps in literacy are more likely to be vulnerable to social exclusion, and unemployment. Businesses also suffer with 93 per cent of employers reporting low levels of literacy and numeracy were impacting their business.

Yet despite almost one-in-two people having gaps in their literacy skills, this world remains largely hidden to those of us who are lucky enough to be confident in our reading and writing skills.

8:30pm Tuesday on SBS.

One Response

  1. My dad always felt cheated of an education after being made to leave school at 11 to join the workforce to feed the family. He went back to school at 66 and completed years 11 and 12 and was welcomed by students and teachers. Proof that you should never give up, there will be someone out there to help you.

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