EDITORIAL: More than reading and writing

International Literacy Day was recognised near the beginning of September and as we prepare to mark Education Month in Barbados in October, we take a minute to reflect on this benchmark in this country.

Barbados has long boasted a high literacy rate, which helped to elevate it on the United Nations Human Development index (HDI).  However, in recent years the country has moved from No. 37 in 2010 to No. 56 in 2019. Though it is still considered truly commendable, if that status is to be maintained and even surpassed, then it will fall to the youth of this country and future generations to improve their literacy levels.

It is commonly thought that to be literate one has only to learn to read and write. However, this concept has evolved to include a much wider meaning – one not only has to be able to read and write, one must also comprehend what is being read, apply it in one’s writing, speak it fluently and be able to actively listen.

Furthermore, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) advocates a new, plural definition of literacy: “Literacy is the ability to identify, understand, interpret, create, communicate and compute, using printed and written materials associated with varying contexts. Literacy involves a continuum of learning in enabling individuals to achieve their goals, to develop their knowledge and potential and to participate fully in their community and wider society.”

This perspective then, goes beyond the idea of book learning as literacy and includes competency or knowledge in a specific area. It is easy then to see where the idea of computer literacy – which could be further expanded to include skills with all types of technology – comes into play.

Obviously then, it would bode well for a country to have a population that is highly literate. It would mean that individuals acquire more valuable skills as they become more competent, which would probably lead to increased productivity and improved efficiency as they seek to apply their knowledge in their communities and wider society. This would likely bring about greater economic activity and returns. It is no surprise that countries with high literacy rates also have high Gross Domestic Products (GDPs).

Yet, literacy is not only important for economic development, but social development as well. In an article published in the Barbados Advocate, it was noted that “…research has linked illiteracy to low self-esteem, crime, violence and incarceration”. It is not a stretch to believe that people who cannot contribute meaningfully to society would find it emotionally difficult to cope in society or may find other unsavoury means of getting ahead in life.

It is evident then that literacy needs to be pushed to ensure the continued advancement of our nation. Our schools are the ideal environment for such development, but the home also plays a vital role.

Too often parents rely soley on the efforts of teachers when they are much bigger influences in their offsprings’ lives. Children copy behaviours and attitudes from their role models and, at the early stages, those role models are invariably parents. Therefore, parents should make reading and writing fun; do not make them punishments. In fact, take the opportunity to spruce up on your own skills. Teach children to listen and ask questions to ensure that they understand; and at the same time, listen to what they have to say and allow them the chance to express themselves.

As we look ahead to Education Month, realise that learning is a never-ending process. Start today and work towards a brighter future.