Call for Action to Improve Youth Literacy
The National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA) is calling for more support for community led partnerships with schools and family literacy programmes, following a recent report that shows a significant decline in literacy standards among Irish 15-year-olds. The report, published by the OECD, ranked the reading ability of Irish 15-year-olds in 17th place out of 39 countries, compared to 5th place in 2000.
Currently, the funding for family learning is miniscule compared to the total education spends and a relatively small investment could yield significant educational returns.
“The role of parents in the development of their children’s literacy cannot be overemphasised. Yet with 500,000 adults having literacy difficulties, not every parent finds it easy to help their child. We know that addressing the literacy needs of parents will also positively impact on their children’s performance.”
“In particular, we are seeking greater emphasis on family learning programmes and community led partnerships with schools. Currently, the funding for family learning is miniscule compared to the total education spends and a relatively small investment could yield significant educational returns. Family, peers and communities play a major role in children’s education and should be increasingly involved in an equal partnership in educational developments, rather than relying solely on schools.”
“Children with low literacy levels will have consequences for the future socio-economic development of Ireland. As these people grow up their ability to fully contribute to economic, family and community life may be reduced if their literacy skills are not improved,”said Inez Bailey, Director, NALA.
