Does literacy still matter?

Does literacy still matter?  As an immigrant child who didn’t know any English when I started school, it was very important to read, write, and speak English fluently. I just wanted to fit in, and it was something that helped me to become confident. But with ChatGPT, AI, assistive technology, YouTube, audiobooks, translators and transcribers, does literacy still matter?

What does literacy even mean? Its definition has evolved far beyond reading and writing. According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, literacy is the "ability to identify, understand, interpret, create, communicate and compute, using printed and written materials associated with varying contexts. Literacy involves a continuum of learning in enabling individuals to achieve their goals, to develop their knowledge and potential, and to participate fully in their community and wider society."  

With this in mind, I walked the virtual streets of the Cariboo, and asked folks if literacy still matters.

“When you don’t have strong literacy skills, it’s like being an animal in a cage. You can see what’s happening outside, but you can’t participate.”  Anonymous learner

“Literacy matters especially for our Indigenous learners we need this skill to have the ability to work, play, live, educate, and walk in two worlds.” Geraldine Bob

“Literacy remains important. While individuals can use AI and other technologies to support learning, literacy is what allows people to use these tools wisely and critically. Without literacy, technology can mislead as much as it can help.” Umrah Imram

“Reading allowed me to leave the trauma I was experiencing. Reading would transport me into other worlds and give me a time-out from the stress of my reality. Reading gave me the time I needed to come to grips with my changed life. So, yes, literacy does matter!” Anonymous community member

“When I think of literacy, I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Literacy brings joy, options, and opportunities. Literacy is a gift."  Margaret-Anne Enders

“I strongly believe that literacy does still matter! It contains ALL the core skills of reading, writing, numeracy and communication and includes learning and thinking in order to interpret, analyse, understand and evaluate the information that is “in front of you” to guide, grow and develop ideas, philosophies, opinions and one’s personal knowledge.” Lory Rochon

On behalf of CCPL, thank you to our funders, donors, volunteers, community partners and learners for allowing us to continue doing work that truly matters. 

Carla Bullinger, Co-Executive Director
Cariboo-Chilcotin Partners for Literacy Society 
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