For most of us, a new year means a New Year’s Resolution. These resolutions usually include the desire to change old habits like eating healthier, watching less TV, and socializing more. But what about adding something new, such as upgrading your literacy skills in the coming year? This could mean learning about financial literacy, reading more books, or upgrading your computer skills.
With the recession still upon us, financial literacy will undoubtedly be a big issue in the new year. Learning how to manage our finances properly, how to save for retirement, and how to invest wisely are just some of the ways we can get a grasp on our financial futures. To spearhead this, the federal government has created the Task Force on Financial Literacy to create a strategy for strengthening the financial literacy of Canadians. There are also many books, courses, and online resources to get us started in paying down our personal debts.
Another resolution may be to upgrade your technology skills. Local libraries, community organizations, and colleges often offer free or inexpensive courses on computer programs or new social media tools, such as Facebook, Twitter and Blogs. Being adept with technology is a skill greatly valued by employers in our modern economy.
Or what about resolving to read more, both individually and as a family? If you’re more of a social person, look into book clubs in your area. If reading to your children is a higher priority for you in the coming year, there are many literacy programs now focusing on parents as the means of improving the reading and writing skills of all family members.
Increasing your literacy skills, whether in the area of finance, technology, or literature requires a strong commitment. The good news, however, is that there are programs throughout Ontario to help you achieve your goal. Learning a new skill can be daunting at first, but the benefits – such as possible new career opportunities, keeping your mind sharp, and meeting new people – are plentiful if you stick to it.
January 26, 2010 at 1:03 am
I have just started taking a certificate program in Adult Literacy Education and am brand new to the literacy field. When I started the courses, I thought I would be learning to help adults improve their reading, writing and numeracy skills. I am quickly learning that those are only part of it and there is so much more. I see that I have a lot to learn and that I should look at upgrading my own skills in some areas to become a better teacher, and also to simply meet the demands of our society. We live in a challenging society and I am very glad to know, through the material that I am reading for my classes, that there are so many resources out there. I knew that learners needed resources, and I use and appreciate resources in my community (such as the library) often. Simply being aware of the help that I can access has been a huge relief in general. I imagine the same is true for people who want to improve their literacy skills to cope with life or reach a goal they have. Likewise, I appreciate the role that the Ontario Literacy Coalition plays in providing resources for literacy teachers and being a strong voice for literacy. I can also see myself using and appreciate what the OLC does in my future as a literacy educator. I see that teachers and tutors need resources and to be aware of what is available to them, just like literacy learners do. Thanks for being there!