This may be a highly senative subject to some. To others it may be slightly emotional. It is however, very common in many households, families, communites and even in places of employment. You will find there are funtional illiterates. How does one define exactly what is functional illiteracy? I did a small research first:
Funcionally Illiteracy: This refers to the inablity of an individual to use reading, writing and computational skills efficiently in everyday life situations. Illiteracy is the inabliltiy to read or write a simple sentence.
A functional illerate can be any member of your family. They can be your neighbor, your best friend, your spouse and they are found most commonplace in every aspect of society. They live everyday without reading and writing skills. Most of them occupy jobs and llive dedicated lives. They usually depend on someone to assist them when it comes to reading or writing for job applications to writing their names. Some of them are capable too; that they may read and write a few words, and they know how to write and spell their names. Otherwise, their secret world is concealed to save them from embrassment.
When confronted with printed materials functionally iillerate adults cannot perform fundamental tasks. They may have trouble reading a newspaper, traffic signs, understanding a simple letter, or following written instructions. These are persons we either live or work with everyday. Some illiterates are usually associated with crime and poverty and many of them; (not all) usually choose to follow a life of crime as well.
During my research on this topic, I discovered a whopping 30 million people are considered functionally illiterate in the U.S.A. This I found so alarming! Does this reflect a country where education is so free, but so sparingly effective? I truly began to ponder this. How? Why? Will this ever change?
A study I read published by the Northeast Institute in 2001 found that many businessess attributed basic skill deficiencies to low productivity, errors and accidents were caused by functional illiteracy. They often may make more mistakes, and tend to less productive in following written orders.
It is evident that these are persons we may know well. We may even have helped them, and even encouraged them to learn how to read and write. Many times, our gestures are futile. I hope that anyone of you who knows someone like this will reach out and continue to suggest to them to take action. So many of them are living in shame, and are afraid they will be subjects of embrassment. They often refuse to take the steps to learn. I found this true among the illiterate persons I know and associate with everyday. Although, I've tried teaching them myself, they soon give up due to frustration, and assist it's too late for them.
This somehow troubles me. I wish all could read and write. I open up to them and continue offering my help. Do you know anyone who is illiterate? I hope you care enough to offer them aid. Perhaps, you are living with a functionally illiterate...
Contact your local literacy organization to see what you can do. Volunteers are always needed. There is plenty of work, but only a few workers.
Love and Harmony,
MIISRAEL
Posted By: MIISRAEL Bride
Tuesday, October 7th 2008 at 8:30PM
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