Monday, September 6 2010

AS WE observe International Literacy Month, we hear about efforts to address poor literacy rates in our communities. But are these enough?

In Canada the Crime Prevention Committee acknowledged the unfailing link between poor literacy and the crime it faces every day. It was found that “many people with low literacy find it hard to do everyday things with their families that others take for granted, such as understanding letters they receive from their child’s school, or not being able to help their children with homework to help them succeed, thereby continuing the inter-generational cycle of literacy challenges. Raising literacy rates in families in the community contributes to reducing crime and lowering re-offending”.

Continuing on the subject of literacy and families, the experts expressed concerns that persons with low literacy skills also tend to be less active citizens, often feeling isolated becoming vulnerable and outcast. This, they say, may partly explain why people with low literacy are statistically more likely to be involved in crime. Other disadvantages include poor health, unemployment and anti-social behaviour.

The UK Independent newspaper also clarified the findings from a report published by the Basic Skills Agency that “children with poor reading and maths skills are increasingly likely to become hardened criminals as society becomes more complex, according to research that sheds light on the link between education and criminality”.

Here in Trinidad, companies such as UTC, GlaxoSmithKline, Repsol, Atlantic LNG and the Australian High Commission, to name a few, have been putting profits into the communities and improving literacy as well as raising confidence, concentration and motivation in hundreds of students through the ARROW Learning System.

Is there more that can be done as we continue to experience crime in our neighbourhoods? ARROW continues to welcome funding to address hundreds more children aiming to prevent crime and raise standards in literacy and the wider society. ARROW is also hosting the Literacy Day Extravaganza on September 11 at Movie Towne. They can be contacted on 624 9063 or via their website at www.arrowtt.com.