EFFECTS OF ILLITERACY


Despite the steady rise in literacy rates over the past 50 years, there are still 773 million illiterate adults around the world.

Around 1 in 5 people are completely illiterate. Additionally, around 3 billion people around the world struggle with basic level reading and writing (World Literacy Foundation [WLF], 2018). 

The reasons for this are varied; with missed early-years schooling, the impact of conflict and instability, migration pathways, and inaccessible quality education in mother-tongue and first languages among them. No matter the reason, studies revealed that those excluded from the education system at an early age often remain disadvantaged for the rest of their lives.

Definition of illiteracy

Illiteracy, according to United Nations, is simply defined as the inability to write and read a simple sentence in any language.

Illiteracy colors every area of the non-reader’s life with dark hues.

Individuals with low levels of literacy are more likely to experience poorer employment opportunities and outcomes and lower-income. As a result, they often face welfare dependency, low self-esteem, and higher levels of crime.

Literacy is essential to informed decision-making, personal empowerment and community engagement (Bernadette Dywer)

IMPACT OF ILLITERACY

1.THE SOCIAL IMPACT 

Often, students who struggle with literacy feel ostracised from academia, or find themselves unable to fully participate in society or government. A person who cannot read and write struggles to know their rights, to vote, to find work, to pay bills and to secure housing.

2. POVERTY 

Illiterate people are known to be associated with low income jobs. Considering the current high cost of living in Nigeria with prices of food, clothing, shelter and even transportation increasing in an unbearable rate; illiterate people with family to cater for aside from them find it very difficult to cope. People who can’t read at a functional level become dependent on coping mechanisms.

3.VULNERABILITY TO DECEPTION:

Illiteracy leaves one vulnerable to deception, an illiterate is a weak vessel and is easily manipulated.

4. Low self-esteem plagues the illiterate.

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