Flanders’ Week of Literacy focuses on young people
In response to a study that show that one in 10 people between 16 and 24 in Flanders is functionally illiterate, the region’s annual Week of Literacy is targeting the age group
Young & Literate
Although youngsters in Flanders don’t score badly on literacy compared to other countries, one out of 10 is insufficiently literate, according to a study by the PIAAC, an initiative of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.
“That means that they are not able to use language, numbers or graphic data to participate fully in our society,” explained Crevits. You need to be literate, she said, to understand a manual, for example, to use online banking or to write an email to a public institution.
Research shows that the number of people between 16 and 24 who are functionally illiterate is increasing. Most of these youngsters have also had difficulties obtaining a secondary school diploma and getting a job.
One of the campaign’s goals is to inform young people about the many opportunities for them to improve their literacy skills: at school, the library, a sports club or a local association.
Students from 13 schools created giant letters for the campaign, which can be spotted on main squares or train stations in Ostend, Kortrijk, Ghent, Aalst, Sint-Niklaas, Genk and Leuven. Put together, they form the slogan Jong & Geletterd (Young & Literate). There is also is a campaign website and video to raise awareness.
