Literacy is a relative term – it depends on a person’s
environment

Here is an example that illustrates the point. (A person with a grade five education in a developing country will probably be seen as educated whereas a person in Ottawa with only a grade five education will likely find it difficult to get a job.)

A farmer in Mozambique who has a grade 5 education may be considered reasonably well educated and literate in his own community. His government may recognize this by writing at the grade 5 level when producing information on farming, health and other community issues. The farmer may become an important resource person for other villagers. They will consult him regarding new information.

If that same farmer were to move to Canada, he would find himself in very different circumstances. Aside from possible language difficulties, a grade 5 education would not give him any special status. This person would want to work on speaking and listening skills as a matter of priority. Improved literacy skills would be the next step.

A person born and raised in Canada with a grade 5 education may well be employed in a job that does not require many literacy skills. He or she may function effectively at work and at home but have the support of another family member for literacy related tasks, such as reading official documents. The person may not have a need for improved literacy skills while circumstances remain stable. If that person loses his or her job, or support of the family member, then it is quite likely that the person’s life will change dramatically. He or she may want to enroll in a literacy program to meet the changed circumstances.