Writing to inform and entertain
I write periodical articles and books to inform my readers and to entertain them. Fortunately, my writing style lends nicely to that combination. I pretty much write like I talk. Hopefully the content is interesting and intriguing but will still bring a smile to your face or happiness in your thoughts.
Books form the basis of our modern society.
Most of us in the western world take reading for granted. We are taught to read from a very young age and have an endless supply of reading materials to inform and entertain us. So much so, in fact, that if you’re like me … you have an ever-growing pile of unread magazines begging for your attention.
But it’s certainly not like that in every home, whether here in Manitoba or elsewhere in Canada, the US or the rest of the world.
A September 27/09 article in the Winnipeg Free Press features my friend, Rob Sarginson of Selkirk, who is currently serving as the acting executive director of Literacy Partners of Manitoba. Learn more about their efforts and programs at: http://www.mb.literacy.ca/.
Read the full article here: http://is.gd/40hkj.
The article tell us that Manitoba, a province with only about one million inhabitants, has nearly 400,000 residents who cannot read effectively. They are not illiterate, but they cannot read at an equivalency to a Grade 8 level. Sarginson says this demographic represents a “significant underclass in Canada that cannot use information in the same way as others.”
And Manitoba is pretty much on par with the rest of Canada in this dilemma, so our situation is not unique, although it is surprising and most unfortunate. But at least our provincial government is doing something about it. Manitoba is the only jurisdiction in Canada to have a Literacy Act and a minister whose portfolio formally includes literacy.
That is good news for our province and our economy, as an improved literacy rate will translate into a healthier economy through bolstered productivity and a stronger economy. This has already been proven in the business practices of private companies such as Boeing in Winnipeg.
It is good to see that this issue is getting attention from proactive individuals and leaders. Canada has always been considered a land of opportunity and the right and ability to read is something most of us mistakingly take for granted.
Learn more from the Canadian Council on Learning: http://www.ccl-cca.ca. And keep reading! Statistics have proven that if you don’t use it, you lose it and that includes your ability to read effectively.
