National Adult Literacy Database

Only 5 to 10 per cent of eligible adults with low literacy skills ever enroll in literacy programs. This presents the literacy field with a startling and pressing question: Why, in the face of increasing public policy initiatives and highly visible outreach campaigns, are the majority of people with low literacy skills still reluctant to participate in literacy programs? Why are there Canadians without high school diplomas, who have never contacted literacy or upgrading programs?

This document summarizes the results of a national study on nonparticipation in literacy and upgrading programs.