Collins Dictionary defines the word illiterate as "… a person who does not know how to read or write." Literacy affects a human being’s entire life span and that person’s ability to have adequate income to provide for basic needs such as food, housing, and healthcare. It affects their children in adequate childcare and their literacy through education. The reason I care about literacy is that without it, I would not have survived. It is a lifeline for many.
In my upcoming podcasts, I will address this from an interdisciplinary view. As they say “It takes a village to raise a child.” Similarly, it takes reaching a high level of literacy to secure a livable wage and an enjoyable healthy lifestyle.
Why is there a need for literacy? Aside from the beautiful things literacy can bring to your life, the bottom line is it provides a roof over your head, enough money to eat and pay basic expenses, and hopefully a little for enjoyment.
A few statistics about literacy and education toward being able to support your adult life. If you think reading or college is not important, think again.
If you compare each column below, the less education one has directly corresponds to a higher level of unemployment in economic downturns, such as the 2008 recession and the pandemic in 2020. Even in 2022 when things were getting back to normal, people without a HS diploma had twice as much unemployment as someone with an Associate Degree or Bachelor's Degree.
Similarly, in a 2016 study of unemployment coupled with underemployment, the differences are again starkly noticeable.
Next week, we will be taking a look at the question, "Is college worth the money it costs? Spoiler Alert: It is, without question.
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