[Greens-Media] FW: Year of reading launch an important initiative: WA Greens

[Richards, Kirsten]

WA Greens Spokesperson for Education Alison Xamon this week was pleased to attend the launch of the WA campaign for the National Year of Reading at the Maylands Public Library.

"I was astounded and saddened to hear that over 46 per cent of working age Australians are functionally illiterate," Ms Xamon said.  "That strikes me as an extremely alarming statistic and not one that I believe is well understood within the Australian community.

"I really welcome the Year of Reading initiative -  it is so important that we support these types of programs which sees to not only remove the stigma surrounding illiteracy but also to assist adults to learn to read in a practical way.

"When people are unable to read fluently it is highly problematic for them and their families.

"Some of the individual stories of illiteracy I heard at the launch were heartbreaking. People have functional illiteracy for all sorts of reasons and they need every chance to be able to catch up.

"The message is that it's never too late to learn to read, and that there is help out there. 

"It was also particularly exciting to see the state wide launch being held at the new Maylands Library in the Rise and was a fitting place to hold such an event."