📰 Adult Literacy News Summary
New Adult Literacy Program Launches in Wollongong
13-May-2025 - Australia
Wollongong City Libraries has launched a new program aimed at helping people in our community who struggle with everyday challenges like reading a bus or train timetable, filling in forms, or reading to their kids. Despite not being widely talked about, low literacy affects more than 43 per cent of Australians. The Reading Writing Hotline receives more than 4,000 calls from people asking for help each year, with the majority of callers from English speaking backgrounds.
Read more‘Adult learning and arts centre’ plan for Sunderland church
12-May-2025 - UK
A historic church building on Wearside could receive a new lease of life as an adult learning and arts centre under new plans. Those behind the plans aim to use the building for adult education and arts-related activities and with a focus on learning, participation, and cultural engagement.
Read moreEmpowerment Through Adult Literacy: Policy Pathways for Governors
06-May-2025 - USA
Adult literacy programs and partnerships provide foundational skills that lead to increased employment opportunities, improved physical and mental health outcomes, and financial stability for families and communities. The National Governors Association Center for Best Practices (NGA Center) hosted a webinar in collaboration with The Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy to discuss recent efforts by the Adult Literacy and Learning Impact Network (ALL IN) to address adult literacy challenges and create opportunities for foundational skills development, drawing on new market research and state-specific insights.
Read moreJoanne Telser-Frère: A Champion For Illiterate Adults
02-May-2025 - USA
Imagine going through life not being able to read. For millions of adults in the United States, it’s a reality. Joanne Telser-Frère, an Evanston resident and ETHS graduate, created a program that teaches adults how to read. She works at Literacy Chicago as the director of adult literacy and program development. Last month she was recognized by the Coalition on Adult Basic Education (COABE) with a national award as the Outstanding Administrator of the Year for 2025. The coalition is the leading nonprofit organization in the United States dedicated to eradicating adult literacy.
Read moreSouth Africa Has Second Highest Rate Of Literate Adults In Africa
29-Apr-2025 - South Africa
South Africa’s adult literacy rate has reached 95%, ranking it as the second most literate country on the African continent. The data from research centre Intelpoint suggests the majority of the population aged 15 years and older possesses basic reading and writing skills. The findings from studies on adult literacy from 2018 to 2021 showed that Seychelles had the highest literacy rate in Africa at 95.9%, while Chad had the lowest at 26.8%.
Read moreA literacy charity is making its way to Manchester bringing lots of free books
28-Apr-2025 - UK
A charity dedicated to literacy is coming to Manchester in May providing families and individuals with plenty of free books. Led by Bookbanks, this London-founded organisation was set up in line with food banks to provide people with access to free books and now they’re coming all the way to Manchester.
Read more81-Year-Old – Who Hid His Illiteracy From His Wife Due To Shame – Makes Great Steps With Read Easy
25-Apr-2025 - UK
A Ludgershall man who left school not being able to read is now a keen reader thanks to support from his wife and Salisbury-based service Read Easy. 81-year-old Anthony overcame being ignored at school, caring for his wife, Doreen, hard work on his allotment and slight dyslexia to complete all five manuals of the reading course. He was presented with a certificate and a book token after completing the course during a special celebration at Ludgershall Council offices, which was attended by the mayor, Owen White.
Read moreBreaking Barriers to Adult Literacy Access: Insights from Adults with Low Literacy Across the United States
23-Apr-2025 - USA
The Adult Literacy & Learning Impact Network surveyed 2,000 adults in the USA with low literacy and revealed a striking insight: most weren't aware that adult education programmes existed - but once they learned about them, the majority showed strong or moderate interest in enrolling.
Read moreFree Adult Literacy Resources Now Available in Donegal Libraries
06-Apr-2025 - Ireland
A suite of resources for adults to improve their English language skills has been launched by the Donegal County Library Service.
Read moreMel Stride Highlights Urgent Need for Adult Literacy Support
03-Apr-2025 - UK
A charity in Okehampton that helps adults overcome literacy challenges welcomed Central Devon MP, Mel Stride, for a visit to discuss the growing need for adult literacy support across the region.
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