2. Understanding of Literacy
• At first glance, ‘literacy’ would seem to be a term
that everyone understands.
• But at the same time, literacy as a concept has
proved to be both complex and dynamic,
continuing to be interpreted and defined in a
multiplicity of ways.
3. Actions Taken
• In addition to efforts to improve levels of literacy in the EU through
its 'Europe Loves Reading' campaign, the European Commission is
also at the forefront of action to tackle the problem in the world's
developing countries. Since 2007, the Commission has invested €4
billion on education and literacy in 48 partner countries, enabling
more than 9 million pupils to enrol in school and more than 720
000 primary teachers to receive training.
• The European Commission supports literacy through its support to
the national education strategies – as sector budget support, pooled
funding or project support. The EU is committed to education: the
Agenda for Change recognises our commitment to education and
the need to enable young people everywhere to have access to
quality education.
4. Facts about Literacy
• According to the estimates by the United States Department of
Labor, literacy problems cost the United States businesses about
$225 billion a year in lost productivity
• 2.2 million people each year (44,000 people each week) are added
to the adult illiterate population in the Untied States. (U.S.
Department of Education)
• The cost of illiteracy to businesses and taxpayers is estimated at $20
billion annually. (Illiteracy: A National Crisis, United Way of
America)
