What Are the Causes and/or Effects of Illiteracy Essay Example

of school age children in Trinidad and Tobago states the National Centre for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD). They have difficulty in storing information heard because of this disease they have a low attention span. Secondly another major cause of illiteracy is Poverty.

For example social challenges is a factor of poverty affecting most young people living in these condition. These young people have a difficult time socializing due to low self-esteem. The Social Sector Investment programme (SSIp) found that nearly one in six children living in poor families is less likely to have positive experiences at school, and they are less likely to participate in recreational activities. However limited financial resources are one of the main contributing factors for poverty which can lead to illiteracy.

Due to economic conditions persons in these families including children have to work instead of go to school. Seventeen percent (17%) of Trinbagonians live under the poverty line says the Minister of Faineance. Increasingly, people talk about the ‘cycle of poverty’ that keeps the poor locked into poverty from one generation to then next. Basically, because of the poverty that the poor are already experiencing, they and their children are not able to break out. Imagine that you are a six-year-old child in an impoverished family.

Your parents might want to send you to school, but are unable to because they need you to work so your family can be supported. Later on in life, when you try and get a job, you will be limited to low-paying occupations because of your lack of education. You will be forced into poverty once more according to Dr Ronald

Marshall, of the Department of Behavioural Sciences. In addition, the current challenge in the education system is another important factor of illiteracy. In this competitive world having a good education is important because it is our weapon to conquer the world.

Lack of resources like the school infrastructure broken down, poor or damaged equipment, no running water and an infested school are some of the reasons for student’s ineffective learning. Over one hundred schools though out Trinidad and Tobago are in dire need of repairs says the Minster of Education. The educational system merely acts as preparation ground for higher education. Besides, lack of uniformity in examination evaluation system, variation in syllabus and pattern of education, the syllabus itself is unwieldy and often redundant, not in accordance with the changing socio-economic scenario.

Because of this students don`t reach their full potential of their level so when they get a job they can`t cope with the task given and sadly thirty-two percent of them progress in the system even though they fail says the National Council on Education. A sense of accountability is completely lacking on the part of the teachers because they lack the skills and training in recognizing a learning disability in their students. The worst victims of the system are the students who are caught in a situation of complete chaos and confusion.

The Minster of Education states seventy percent (70%) of students have difficulty in coping with their school work. Learning disabilities, poverty and education are major factors that contribute to the cause of illiteracy. ALTA states that if these situations are not addressed there will be an increase

in illiteracy and a decrease in the country`s productivity which cost the government to spend billions of dollars. How do we break out of this vicious circle?

All measures that improve the income of people should be taken, and the government should follow and implement the rules on good governance, for example GATE, HELP LOANS, OJT and YTEPP. In the past, education was not required, but in this day, universal education is becoming a necessity. Therefore, innovative solutions should be implemented to take advantage of this unique time in history. Literacy is an essential tool for self-defence. In short, to participate and excel in the modern society every citizen must become literate.