It’s a sad fact that 250 million children across the globe cannot read.
So, for them. Do Not Read This.
Amazing just how much reading we take for granted isn’t it?
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Alex J. Cavanaugh says
I used to work in an illiteracy program for adults – scary that over a third of the adults in my home state can’t read…
Rebecca Bradley says
It’s just so sad isn’t it. I don’t understand how it happens. How they slip through the net at school…
Margot Kinberg says
Rebecca – Thanks for this important and sobering reminder of how important reading is, and how many people can’t read. I think it’s an ethical obligation to support literacy efforts; I really do.
Rebecca Bradley says
I think the fact that this video shows that people who can’t read aren’t just losing the ability to enjoy books and newspapers, but they can’t read when to take their medication, road signs etc, it’s those things we don’t thing about.
FictionFan says
11% of Brits are considered to be ‘functionally illiterate’ – ie can’t read well enough to get by. I spent years working with kids with literacy problems – it’s far from only being an issue in the ‘third world’. But when I worked in the Health Service, it was really brought home to me how many people can’t read instructions on medicines, or the leaflets that get handed out to save doctors having to explain things. Scary!
Rebecca Bradley says
That’s what brought things home to me in this video is the medication bottles. We just seem to think they won’t be able to enjoy a good book etc, but forget how much natural reading goes on in every day life just to function. I don’t know how these children slip through the system in schools. It’s awful.
diannegray says
It is certainly a shock to learn so many people cannot read and so many children aren’t being taught to read. Thanks for sharing and opening my eyes, Rebecca xxx
Rebecca Bradley says
You’re welcome Dianne. It was a shock to me which is why I shared it. To see the everyday things we take for granted not being understood was eye-opening.
Jacqui Murray says
There is a true joy of reading that too many children miss. You are never alone if you can read. My entire family are inveterate readers. To this day, my children and I have reading hours (when they visit from wherever they are).
BTW, the more subscribers I get to my blog, the less daily hits I enjoy. I think people don’t bother to click through when they subscribe. Which means Google can’t rank me well. I find this inverse reaction so odd, I no longer push signing up for my blog. What do you think?
Rebecca Bradley says
I loved reading as a child. It used to transport me away to many a place.
And that’s something I hadn’t thought about with the subscribers Jacqui. Thank you! Maybe I won’t push that option again. I just thought it would remind people about the blog and they might come along and comment…
chrisb-jwordsandimages says
It’s not just sad for those who can’t read – it’s so dangerous too. Not being able to read warning signs of medicine instructions, just terrible.
Rebecca Bradley says
I know. It’s those things we don’t think about when we talk about people not being able to read.