5 Ways to Improve Adult Literacy

5 Ways to Improve Adult Literacy

5 Ways You Can Help an Adult Learn to Read

About.com Adulted: 11.12.2015 by Deb Peterson, Continuing Education Expert

Adult literacy is a global problem. In September of 2015, the USESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) reported that 85% of the world's adults age 15 and older lack basic reading and writing skills. That's 757 million adults, and two-thirds of them are women.

For passionate readers, this is unimaginable. UNESCO had a goal to reduce illiteracy rates by 50% in 15 years compared to 2000 levels. The organization reports that only 39% of countries will reach that goal. In some countries, illiteracy has actually increased. The new literacy target? "By 2030, ensure that all youth and a substantial proportion of adults, both men and women, achieve literacy and numeracy." You can find statistics on the organization's website: unesco.org

What can you do to help? Here are five ways you can help improve adult literacy in your own community:

1.  Educate Yourself by Researching Literacy Websites

Start by researching some of the online resources available to you and then share them on social media or anywhere else you think they will help. Some are comprehensive directories that can help you identify help in your own community. Here are just three:

1. The Office of Vocational and Adult Education at the U.S. Department of Education

2. The National Institute for Literacy

3. ProLiteracy

2.  Volunteer at Your Local Literacy Council

Even some of the smallest communities are served by a county literacy council. Get out the phone book or check at your local library. Search online. Your local literacy council is there to help adults learn to read, do math, learn a new language, anything literacy and numeracy related. They can also help children keep up with reading in school. Staff members are trained and reliable. Participate by becoming a volunteer or by explaining the services to someone you know who might benefit from them.  READ MORE !