Literacy is a basic human right, the road to human progress and the means through which every man, woman and child can realize their full potential. – Kofi Annan, former UN Secretary-General

Literacy - the ability to read and write - is tied to everything we do. It is a life-skill that over the past decades has evolved into much more than reading a book or flipping through the pages of a comic or magazine. UNESCO defines literacy as the ability to identify, understand, interpret, create, communicate, and compute, using printed and written materials associated with varying contexts. It involves life-long learning of skills that enables individuals to achieve their goals, develop their knowledge and potential, and to participate fully in their community and wider society.

The former UN Secretary-General states that " Literacy is a bridge from misery to hope. It is a tool for daily life in modern society. It is a bulwark against poverty, and a building block of development. It is a platform for democratization and a vehicle for the promotion of cultural and national identity. It is an agent of family health and nutrition."

Literacy for a living

Literacy is instrumental in developing a strong sense of well-being and citizenship. Educators and specialists have long known that children with strong reading skills perform better in school and have a healthier self-image. In the long run they also tend to become life-long learners and are sought-after by employers.

Career advancement or success requires a solid foundation in literacy. As an example, applying for an office position requires submitting a resumè and writing a cover letter. These important requisites necessitate a solid literacy foundation. They play a vital part in the successful composition and presentation of such materials. 

Digital literacy skills have become equally important. They play a major role in non-verbal communication. Imagine trying to decipher texts or instant messages that - more often than not -  are abbreviated and vague without having digital literacy!  Cognitive and technical skills are essential in this scenario. Digital literacy helps because it promotes contextual awareness using both cognitive and technical skills.

Vital life-skills

Several studies consider that schools are primarily a social institution. Education, therefore, is a process of living and not a preparation for future living.  A lack of vital literacy skills holds a person back in every stage of life. A child will not be able to succeed at school, a young adult would be unable to tap into the job market and a parent would not be able to support their children's learning.

This intergenerational cycle of illiteracy hinders social mobility and consequently creates inequalities that make a fairer society more difficult. It is a fact that our children are better off that we were back in the day and have full access to education from an early age. It is also true however, that many of our children, rather than read printed materials, peruse social media posts and online content. In this scenario, strong literacy skills are crucial for them to filter through the information that is thrown at them and process what they read online.

A great value for democracy

There is no denying that without an advanced level of literacy, the ability to work, run a household, manage our personal life and play a role as active citizens, would be an uphill struggle that would hinder us from living a full, successful and fulfilling life.  Literacy is also closely related to learning by the masses of their rights as citizens. 

From a political point of view, since its inception 101 years ago, Labour strived for educating people as a fundamental right.  Our determined ancestors strongly believed that literacy was then a major sine qua non contributor to democracy itself.  Until then only wealthy and literate persons had a right to vote.  For decades Labour forced its way against an equally forceful opposition from the established few who believed in their divine right to govern as opposed to all the rest to be perpetually governed. It is historically to our credit that free and obligatory education came into being together with the minimum age for schooling. Almost all schools in our towns and villages across Malta and Gozo know their origin to Labour governments over the years.  

A future proof Malta  

In Malta we are blessed with a dynamic and solid education sector. Our literacy rate is high; however, there is room for improvement. As a Government it is our duty to provide our children and citizens with tools and skills to adapt and succeed in the ever-changing economic and social dynamics of the world we are living in. As Minister for Education, I am determined to provide our current and future students with the necessary tools for active citizenship, employability, and upward mobility in line with this Government’s Economic Vision 2030 - themed ‘A future Proof Malta’  launched last week.

This consultation document incorporates education into the five pillars on which this vision is based. Education and employment go hand-in-hand. The policies, goals and targets of this consultation document are in line with the EU Commission's Education Area initiatives and the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Education, where employability takes centre stage.

National literacy strategy

Literacy encompasses the whole of society. It is an exercise that involves schools, homes and communities. Research is very clear; nothing motivates a child more than when learning is valued by schools, families and the community working together in partnership. The Consultation Document I launched this week ‘A National Literacy Strategy for all in Malta and Gozo (2021 – 2030)' is on four pillars – literacy in the community, literacy in education,  literacy resources and professional development and research.

These four pillars are inter-dependent. Their scope is to ensure that literacy becomes an integral and ongoing part of our society.  It is now up to us as parents, educators, the private sector, NGO’s and society at large to contribute and collaborate through constructive dialogue on the challenges and opportunities towards integrated nationwide literacy. The final plan of action towards national literacy will be a joint effort between the Ministry for Education and society at large.

Our collective work

Together we will ensure that all children, youths and adults reach their full potential and have the necessary tools to progress, prosper and achieve their dreams.  We all need to look beyond our immediate circumstances.  Things will only get better if we have a clear vision as we move ahead together with determination.

Undoubtedly, civil rights activist Cesar Chavez's appeal sums it all up:  “We cannot seek achievement for ourselves and forget about progress and prosperity for our community. Our ambitions must be broad enough to include the aspirations and needs of others, for their sakes and for our own.”