Education - Low literacy levels are often difficult to reach for offers
According to the nationwide Leo study, 6.2 million people in Germany have considerable difficulties with reading and writing. According to conservative estimates by the Hessian Ministry of Education and Cultural Affairs, 630,000 people in Hesse are affected by low literacy. Introducing them to basic education courses is often difficult. "If you look at how many people we reach and come to us, and put that in relation to the number of people affected, then that is an absolute drop in the ocean," said Christoph Köck, Director of the Hessian Adult Education Association.
"The uptake of further education courses in the field of basic education and literacy is generally rather low, as the Leo Study 2018 shows," explained a spokesperson for the Ministry of Education. The state of Hesse promotes various low-threshold access routes to measures. There are a variety of measures and attempts, Köck also explained. Not only those affected are involved, but also their family and work environment. "This also works to some extent, but it requires enormous human resources if you really want to tackle the issue systematically and successfully," said Köck.
Illiteracy is still a taboo subject, said Kerstin Goldenstein. She is a member of the board of the umbrella organization Alfa-Selbsthilfe, based in Ludwigshafen, which aims to establish self-help groups as central pillars of literacy and basic education in Germany. "People don't dare to talk about it or ask for help." The shame and fear of stigmatization are too great, explained the 64-year-old, who had a spelling disorder herself. This prevents many of those affected from accepting further education offers.
What is needed above all is an open approach to the topic in society. "Before those affected can open up, society must first open up," emphasized Goldenstein. Only then can they muster the courage to change something in their lives and realize how much they can achieve and learn.
Alfa self-help Leo study 2018 Hessian Adult Education Association
Read also:
- A clan member is punished here
- Traffic lawyer warns: Don't talk to the police!
- Will he be convicted as Jutta's murderer after 37 years?
- He also wanted to kill his cousin
Despite the high number of individuals struggling with literacy in both Germany as a whole, with 6.2 million people identified by the Leo study, and in Hesse specifically, with an estimated 630,000 people, access to basic education courses remains challenging. Frankfurt, as a major city in Germany, also likely has individuals facing these literacy challenges. Providing language support and education resources in Rhineland-Palatinate and Hesse could significantly help those in need. However, the stigma associated with illiteracy in Germany, as highlighted by Kerstin Goldenstein, is a barrier preventing many from seeking help and participating in educational opportunities.
Source: www.stern.de
