Illiteracy In Australia Essay

There are many other consequences of illiteracy, both on the individual themselves, and the society they live in [Rowe, 2005]. Not only do individuals have a much higher unemployment rate (“2-4 times higher among those with poor literacy skills” [Literacy Foundation, 2009]) but they usually have “lower income [as well as] lower-quality jobs” thus reducing them to an unstable financial status with “reduced access to lifelong learning and professional development” [Literacy Foundation, 2009]. It has also been found that illiterate individuals often have much “lower self-esteem – which can lead to isolation” [Canadian Council of Learning, 2007]. It is also very important for a “nation’s social and economic future” [Rowe, 2005] that there is a low rate of illiteracy. There are many disadvantages for a country that has a “medium to high rate of illiteracy [which Australia does]” [Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2012], such as a “slower… overall long-term GDP growth rate… lower levels of community involvement… [and] lower levels of civic participation” [Literacy Foundation, 2009].

Another way South Australia could ensure that a greater societal value is placed on literacy is to broadcast and publish further the detrimental effects of illiteracy to the greater community. Although literacy rates have actually increased slightly from 1996 -2006 [Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2006], Australia is still beginning to lag behind other countries. It has been stated that “it is not so much that we are slowing down in this world race [for literacy], but rather that others are speeding up,” [Miller, 2016]. Thus Australia needs to continue to innovate new, successful ways to increase the literacy