Since 1967, International Literacy Day (ILD) celebrations have taken place annually around the world to remind the public of the importance of literacy as a matter of dignity and human rights. International Literacy Day (ILD) 2023 will be celebrated under the theme “Promoting Literacy for a World in Transition: Building the Foundation for Sustainable and Peaceful Societies”. At the global level, a conference will be organized in person and online on Friday, September 8, 2023, in Paris, France. This global celebration will include the award ceremony of the UNESCO International Literacy Prizes to announce this year’s outstanding prize winning programs. United States More than 43 million Americans struggle to read, write, do math and use technology above the 3rd-grade level. UNESCO recently released a report that estimates that as a result of COVID-19, there are now 290 million students (children and youth) out of school. See International Adult Literacy Facts from Pro Literacy. Oregon At least 17% of Oregon’s adult population does not have a high school diploma or GED. Adults aged 25–34 are less educated that their parents’ generation, with fewer earning certificates or degrees beyond high school. In Multnomah County, 18.8% of residents speak a language other than English at home and some of these “less than very well”. (Statistics from American Community Survey.)
PCC programs promoting literacy English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Improves English communication skills of students for whom English is not their native language. Eight ESOL levels serve the needs of adult refugees, immigrants, permanent residents and U.S. citizens. Levels 4–8 also serve the needs of professional personnel working or training in the U.S., international students, and international visitors. Reading, writing, listening, speaking and pronunciation are taught. Adult Basic Education (ABE) Students develop reading, writing, and math skills to prepare for and pass the GED State Exam, enter college, or training programs. The program offers classes in English at four main college campuses, two workforce training centers, online, in county jails and prisons and has family literacy programs in some public schools. The program also offers GED Preparation classes in Spanish at limited locations. PCC library resources Learning Express – Core English Skills Interactive practice tests and tutorials to help you succeed in building your skills in reading, writing, grammar, vocabulary and spelling. Community organizations promoting literacy Portland Literacy Council Decoding Dyslexia Oregon Goodwill of the Columbia Willamette Immigrant & Refugee Community Organization (IRCO) Lutheran Community Services NW Tutoring for Adult Learners (Multnomah County Library) Oregon State Library Association (OSLA) SE Works Write Around Portland