Locations of low literacy
Reading, writing, and using a computer are very important for participating in our society. People with low literacy skills struggle with these things. Finding a job, following the news, and keeping in touch with family and friends, for example, is more difficult.
Research shows that around 10% of residents aged between 16 and 65 in our municipality have low literacy skills. The municipality of West Maas en Waal would like to help these residents. This is difficult, because they are good at hiding their low literacy skills. They are often ashamed.
In 2018, the Language Agreement was concluded in the Rivierenland region. The Language Agreement states that the municipality of West Maas en Waal wants to map out what is being done to recognize low literacy, make it discussable, and help residents with low literacy. That is why the municipality of West Maas en Waal wants to get in touch with as many locations as possible and map out their activities.
A location is a place where low literacy can be identified, for example at a counter or during an intake interview. A location is therefore a place to help people with low literacy skills.
There are two ways to help. One way is active. You talk to the person to see if they want help. And you can refer them, for example, to the Digi-Taalhuis West Maas en Waal.
We have created a questionnaire for you. This will help us determine whether you are a resource center. It will also enable us to map out what is already being done for our low-literate residents. The questionnaire also gives you the opportunity to obtain more information about various topics.
Even if you are not (yet) a location, you may already be doing something to help people with low literacy skills. For example, by writing your letters in easy Dutch. We would also like to map this out and provide support if necessary.
Therefore, we kindly request that you complete the questionnaire, even if you are not (yet) a location.