This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Literacy and numeracy standards
19/01/2004
One-in-five adults in Scotland, who have some
difficulties with reading, writing or numbers, were today
urged to brush up on these skills.
Deputy First Minister Jim Wallace made the call at the
launch of learndirect scotland's literacy and numeracy
campaign.
The awareness raising TV adverts will highlight the
everyday problems that poor literacy or numeracy skills can
cause and, through a new national hotline and website, give
details of how people can get help locally to improve these
skills.
Leaflets, posters and other materials will be
distributed throughout Scotland to complement the
adverts.
The campaign follows the success of a similar initiative
in England and the Republic of Ireland which raised
awareness of the issue and helped de-stigmatise the
problem, encouraging people to seek help.
Deputy First Minister Jim Wallace said:
"We have made a considerable investment in helping Scots
help themselves with opportunities to improve their
literacy and numeracy skills.
"The fact that one-in-five Scots has some difficulty
with literacy or numeracy does not mean that they cannot
read or write at all, simply that they need to brush up
their skills in some of these areas.
"This campaign will help reduce the stigma that can
often be associated with this, and encourage people to seek
support in improving their reading, writing and number
skills."
Mr Wallace was speaking during a visit to Paisley where
he met people involved in the local 'Buddies for Learning
Project' which helps improve these skills in the area.
The Minister met learners from across the region who
told him the difference new learning opportunities are
making to their lives, and urged others to phone the new
national helpline.
He was joined at the event by learndirect scotland chief
executive, Frank Pignatelli who said:
"We are delighted to be working in partnership with the
Scottish Executive and Communities Scotland on this
campaign.
"As Scotland's gateway to learning, with the experience
and resources we can offer, learndirect scotland is ideally
placed to help people find the support they need."
The learndirect scotland national helpline can be
contacted on 0808 100 1080.
The Executive are investing £51 million over five years
to help improve adult literacy and numeracy in Scotland,
and are on target to help 80,000 Scots by March 2004, and
150,000 by 2006.
Support for learners is also provided through the
Learning Connections team at Communities Scotland, which
works with adult literacy practitioners to ensure training
and support are available across Scotland.