On September 8, Project Adult Literacy Society celebrated International Literacy Day at Edmonton City Hall with an official proclamation from the City of Edmonton, refreshments, and speakers, followed by an open house at the PALS office. This was an important date to raise awareness to the fact that 48 percent of Canadians 16 years of age or older are below the basic level of literacy (Statistics Canada and the OECD) and continue to struggle in attaining it. Literacy is integral not only to an individual’s economic and material wellbeing, but to one’s self-esteem and sense of dignity. 20 percent of adult Albertans struggle with low literacy, and 50 percent struggle with basic math skills.
Since 1967, International Literacy Day celebrations have taken place annually around the world to remind the public of the importance of literacy as a matter of dignity and human rights, and to advance the literacy agenda towards a more literate and sustainable society.
Celebrating Adult Literacy!
We asked “What does learning mean to you?” and the answers started rolling in. See the messages people shared on our wall!
