The Government knows the size of this issue and budgets a limited amount of money every year to address this problem.
It is convenient, but unhelpful to blame schools. Some blame can be sheeted that way, but the policies of successive governments, and the fact an ever-increasing proportion of our workforce has been educated elsewhere means the causes are various.
Schools are really good at teaching English and mathematics, but not so good at teaching literacy and numeracy. They are different things and the workplace wants literacy and numeracy, not so much English and mathematics.
The impacts of deficits in foundation literacy and numeracy skills are extensive. Those deficits are an economic handbrake, a cause of social disruption and are limiting for the individuals concerned.
The nation's GDP, productivity, health and safety record, and ability to adapt to new technology are all affected. For the individual, low literacy and numeracy interferes with job training, career development and access to promotion.
This problem is so large that conventional state programmes will make only token progress.
Adult literacy and numeracy problems are surrounded by myths and misunderstandings.
-Many think low literacy and numeracy are an indication of low or limited intellect. This is not the case. There are many other reasons for people not picking up the skills to read and calculate.
-Most people believe low literacy and numeracy in adults is set in concrete and cannot be changed. Almost all adults are able to be taught to read with the right level of support and guidance.
-Poor literacy is not just an issue for workers in entry-level jobs.
This is a problem that can be solved. Unlike with so many of the big factors that limit New Zealand's potential to advance economically and socially, the solution to poor literacy and numeracy is in our own hands, and it does not need to be overly expensive.
International commodity prices and currency exchange rates may be beyond our control, but there are abundant human resources to address this issue.
We know the best way to address adult literacy and numeracy deficits is in the context of the workplace. We know that many of those with literacy and numeracy deficits suffer from low confidence and motivation - born of repeated failure.
Yet, we have unprecedented opportunity to make a difference.
In New Zealand, the baby boomers are reaching retirement or semi-retirement in large numbers. They represent a human resource that can be used to significantly improve adult foundation skills.
Surprisingly, the corporate world has been mostly absent in committing to support adult literacy and numeracy - even though it has the most to gain from a literate and numerate workforce. Here is a value proposition for corporate New Zealand to get involved in.
Poor literacy and numeracy are solvable - but it will require a community-wide response.
A chance to give back
Primary ITO, the industry training organisation for the primary sector, is proud of its volunteer mentor scheme that aims to support the next generation to succeed in the primary industry.
"Our mentoring programme is an initiative to help industry trainees through their training," says Marianne Farrell, Primary ITO national literacy and numeracy co-ordinator and the brain behind the innovative venture.
"Some trainees have literacy and numeracy issues, while others struggle with motivation and organisation skills. We know that having a mentor does make all the difference."
Primary ITO recruits mentors from the community and provides them with an initial training session. Mentors are asked to volunteer an hour a week at the most to work with trainees.
This is your chance to give back to your community by taking a trainee under your wing.
As a mentor you don't need to be a grammar or mathematics expert - the most important skill is empathy and the most important contribution is time.
You'll work with our trainees in both a one-on-one capacity and in a study group situation.
We'll train you to do the best job you can.
Volunteer mentors attend a free one-day training workshop. Once trained, any costs involved with being a mentor will be reimbursed.
Talk to us today about becoming a Primary ITO mentor. Call us any time on 0800 20 80 20. We'd love to hear from you!
-Mike Styles is national literacy and numeracy adviser, Primary ITO.
