THERE IS a natural tendency to deny uncomfortable truths. Such a response may involve the individuals directly affected; the society that feels under pressure or the organisations with responsibility for the issue. Being unable to read or write is one such uncomfortable truth. And the problem will not be adequately addressed until it is tackled at source.
RTÉ, in association with the National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA), is currently broadcasting a series of television programmes that explore the life-enhancing benefits that literacy can bring to those who return to adult education. Being unable to read a medical leaflet or sit a test for a driving licence can be humiliating. Such individuals tend to hide their difficulties. The RTÉ series emphasises the availability of help through VEC programmes and encourages more extensive participation.
The hidden nature of the problem was first exposed in 1997 when the United Nations reported that nearly one-quarter of the population between 14 and 64 years of age had serious literacy difficulties. The island of saints and scholars was amazed. What had happened to its marvellous education system? The late introduction of a free secondary school system was initially blamed for the poor results, rather than the quality of teaching at national school level. When a later survey found that early second level students performed extremely well, the pressure for radical change came off. But the problem has remained.
Six years ago, the Department of Education reported that nearly one in three children from disadvantaged primary schools experienced severe literacy problems. Four years later, the Government spoke of reducing this figure to less than 15 per cent by 2016. In view of the devastating impact an inability to read and write has on the quality of life and the job prospects of a young person that is an appalling admission of failure. Employment may be the best cure for social deprivation but, before that step can be taken, self-worth, self-confidence and literacy have to take root.
Adult education and the work of NALA is of enormous importance in offering a second chance to those who left school early or were failed by the primary education system. But only strongly motivated people avail of the services. In the meantime, because formal statistics are not provided by Government, the United Nations reports that Ireland has achieved a 99 per cent literacy rate. We should stop pretending and face some uncomfortable truths.