09/06/2003

Adult literacy can be addressed

Low levels of adult literacy are a global problem that can be addressed through the sharing of knowledge.

This is according to Employment and Learning Minister, Jane Kennedy, who was today speaking at the opening of an International Conference on Essential Skills in Belfast.

The aim of the conference, which was a joint venture between DEL and the Republic’s Department of Education and Science, was to share best practice in encouraging and supporting adult learners to improve their ‘essential skills’ of reading, writing and maths.

The Minister said: "Poor literacy among adults remains a global challenge. While we enter into the information and knowledge society and modern technologies develop and spread at rapid speed, millions of adults continue to struggle with reading, writing and maths.

"Those who use literacy take it for granted – but those who cannot use it are excluded from much communication in today’s world."

A panel of international speakers and more than 90 delegates from all over the world were welcomed to the conference by Jane Kennedy and Minister Sile De Valera from the Department of Education and Science in the Republic of Ireland.

(MB)

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