There is significant evidence that literacy - that is, ability to read, understand and produce the writing in a given language - has a major relationship to people’s opportunities in life. Nonetheless, there are masses of persons across Europe, who lack this core aptitude.
In a professional context, it is not surprising that the illiterate are disadvantaged, considering the volume of jobs which require, at the very least, basic language skills. They are taken for granted - as they indeed should - at least in the mother tongue of the person. In addition, the bureaucracy in European countries is carried out majorly in writing, and few states provide the necessary and sensitive aid that illiterate people need. Our social, educational and political systems have yet to create an environment where all citizens are provided with the minimum literacy required for fulfilling and independent life. This issue is identified and addressed in our mission as an entity.
However, there are further ramifications than mere paperwork and business.
Firstly, and rather self-evidently, illiterate individuals are deprived of mainstream education. Though it may be faulted in many areas - and we work towards enhancing it - it does provide a solid and meaningful basis for the development of further abilities, be it in Art, Science, even Sport. Such a person may have a considerable talent in, say, engineering, however it remains undiscovered, unexplored and undeveloped due to the lack of tools in their arsenal. In line with the Butterfly effect, this ultimately entails corollaries into the social life, economy and politics of larger communities - and, quite naturally, impairs or even destroys a life.
Secondly, at Linguistic Aid Kit - as one may deduce - we highly cherish verbal arts, among which Literature is paramount. It has been one of the main tools of transmitting information across space and time for millennia. Aside from factual statements, Literature is powerful in its ability to inspire curiosity, to liven the imagination, to pose important philosophical questions. People with poor literacy are unable to enjoy this vast pool of experiences which should be available to all. Unlike ballet, opera or precious fine art, Literature is geographically and economically very accessible; the only true limitation resides within the illiterate.
Thirdly, illiteracy restricts people’s communication opportunities. While we all consider email and social network to be now irreplaceable parts of our lives, we must consider that they are of no use to those who cannot read a messages left in their inbox. Yes, there are alternatives, such as telephones or voice messages. Notwithstanding, we are responsible for allowing those with difficulties into the modern world in all its aspects.
In its vast majority, illiteracy is a top-down problem: it is not caused by individuals but by systems. Though il- and poor literacy are usually intuitively associated with developing countries, this is not necessarily the case. For this reason, we would like to help people in Europe. Here, we are surrounded by the fruits and demands of literacy which, in their turn, create a sizeable problem for those unable to interact with them. To substantiate this statement, some facts are listed below. All of those are specifically true of the UK, though they are indicative for most of Europe.
These facts are the reason why our mission is so clear, bold and ambitious.
Please do not forget to leave your comments and, of course,
Stay classy.
Linguistic Aid Kit
In a professional context, it is not surprising that the illiterate are disadvantaged, considering the volume of jobs which require, at the very least, basic language skills. They are taken for granted - as they indeed should - at least in the mother tongue of the person. In addition, the bureaucracy in European countries is carried out majorly in writing, and few states provide the necessary and sensitive aid that illiterate people need. Our social, educational and political systems have yet to create an environment where all citizens are provided with the minimum literacy required for fulfilling and independent life. This issue is identified and addressed in our mission as an entity.
However, there are further ramifications than mere paperwork and business.
Firstly, and rather self-evidently, illiterate individuals are deprived of mainstream education. Though it may be faulted in many areas - and we work towards enhancing it - it does provide a solid and meaningful basis for the development of further abilities, be it in Art, Science, even Sport. Such a person may have a considerable talent in, say, engineering, however it remains undiscovered, unexplored and undeveloped due to the lack of tools in their arsenal. In line with the Butterfly effect, this ultimately entails corollaries into the social life, economy and politics of larger communities - and, quite naturally, impairs or even destroys a life.
Secondly, at Linguistic Aid Kit - as one may deduce - we highly cherish verbal arts, among which Literature is paramount. It has been one of the main tools of transmitting information across space and time for millennia. Aside from factual statements, Literature is powerful in its ability to inspire curiosity, to liven the imagination, to pose important philosophical questions. People with poor literacy are unable to enjoy this vast pool of experiences which should be available to all. Unlike ballet, opera or precious fine art, Literature is geographically and economically very accessible; the only true limitation resides within the illiterate.
Thirdly, illiteracy restricts people’s communication opportunities. While we all consider email and social network to be now irreplaceable parts of our lives, we must consider that they are of no use to those who cannot read a messages left in their inbox. Yes, there are alternatives, such as telephones or voice messages. Notwithstanding, we are responsible for allowing those with difficulties into the modern world in all its aspects.
In its vast majority, illiteracy is a top-down problem: it is not caused by individuals but by systems. Though il- and poor literacy are usually intuitively associated with developing countries, this is not necessarily the case. For this reason, we would like to help people in Europe. Here, we are surrounded by the fruits and demands of literacy which, in their turn, create a sizeable problem for those unable to interact with them. To substantiate this statement, some facts are listed below. All of those are specifically true of the UK, though they are indicative for most of Europe.
- At least 7 million adults are functionally illiterate (around 10% of the population)
- 1 out of 6 people has a literacy level below that expected of an 11-year-old
- Illiterate people are more likely to live in an overcrowded household
- Illiterate people are more likely to live in a non-working household
- 16% of the 11-year-olds cannot reach the expected reading levels
- 25% of the 11-year-olds cannot reach the expected writing level
- Poor literacy in children in care is much higher: 85%, as opposed to 30% of children living with families
- 14% of children in low-income households never read
- Only 1 in 5 parents finds the time to read to their children
- Parents are the most important reading role model for children
- Children who read for pleasure achieve considerably better results at school
- Pleasure reading is the most indicative factor for cognitive development
These facts are the reason why our mission is so clear, bold and ambitious.
Please do not forget to leave your comments and, of course,
Stay classy.
Linguistic Aid Kit
