A study of causes and effects of illiteracy

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the problem of illiteracy in Malta among children, adolescents and adults. We considered the reasons why these people fail to read and write and how this effects their lives. Our study is mainly based on interviews carried out with illiterate people, including students who have limited attainment in literacy. Apart from analysing the various causes and effects of illiteracy, the first three chapters also deal with the literacy awareness in our country and the process of literacy development. In the second part of our study, we carried out a survey with teachers of Year 6, low stream classes and interviewed adolescents in Opportunity Centres and adult illiterates. In the concluding chapter, suggestions are put forward as to how illiteracy can be catered for through special techniques and literacy campaigns.