Illiteracy: The Consequences
The consequences
People with functional illiteracy often hide their difficulties because they feel ashamed and live in constant fear that their problem will be recognized. They find it difficult to start a literacy class and thereby admit the problem. Functional illiterates are outsiders in many respects: they don’t get ahead professionally, hardly take part in public life, are mentally tense, often depressed, have relationship problems. They are very dependent on the help of others, for example when it comes to reading instructions, studying timetables or using ATMs. Anyone who is dependent on the help of third parties on a daily basis does not have the opportunity to do something new on their own, limits are always revealed. The vicious circle of low self-esteem and insecurity always leads to social isolation.
Where can you get help?
Around 20,000 people affected are currently taking the opportunity to learn to read and write in courses – mostly at adult education centres. However, many people who cannot read and write adequately do not yet know that there are opportunities for literacy. The employment office cannot provide additional training for people with insufficient knowledge of language and writing. Those affected must take care of it themselves.
The most important first step is the Alpha telephone, which has been around since 1995:  the association can be reached at any time on 0251/533344 . He gives those affected and relatives of illiterates tips on where and in which city courses are held in which reading and writing is taught.
