Literacy and Wellbeing

Abstract

Literacy is a 21st century fundamental human right and one of the most effective weapons against poverty. Those who are illiterate or who struggle to break the code to literacy continue to be challenged in schooling and to experience a poorer quality of life. This chapter challenges the reader to reflect on the meaning of literacy, the prevalence and effect of illiteracy on wellbeing, and compensatory strategies to access literacy. Readers will be challenges to reflect on the definition and parameters of literacy, the importance of literacy and what strategies to implement when literacy is an issue, also in relation to wellbeing, specific effects of illiteracy, and compensatory strategies that can be adopted when literacy is a challenge.