What can Wales learn from international evidence on adult literacy and numeracy?
During Adult Learners’ Week, Learning and Work Institute (L&W) brought together policymakers, learning providers, employers, trade unions, health professionals and other stakeholders to explore what international evidence can tell us about adult literacy and numeracy, and the implications for Wales.
The event focused on findings from the OECD report Navigating Life with Low Literacy and Numeracy, which highlights the far-reaching impact of low foundational skills on employment, health, confidence, civic participation and social inclusion.
The discussion explored how these issues affect adults across communities and why those with the greatest need are often the least likely to access learning opportunities.
Attendees heard from Anja Meierkord, OECD, who presented the report’s key findings and shared insights from international evidence on adult literacy and numeracy, including barriers to participation and effective approaches to engaging learners.
The event was chaired by Kathryn Robson, Chief Executive of Adult Learning Wales, and featured a panel discussion bringing together perspectives from adult learning, employment, trade unions, health, further education and policy.
Panellists reflected on the report’s findings and considered the challenges and opportunities for improving adult literacy and numeracy across Wales.
Key takeaways include:
- Adults with the greatest need for literacy and numeracy support are often the least likely to participate in learning.
- Essential skills impact health, wellbeing, employment, confidence and social inclusion, not just education outcomes.
- Trusted relationships and organisations play a vital role in engaging adults in learning.
- Learning is most effective when it is relevant, flexible and connected to people’s everyday lives and goals.
- Family and community learning can be powerful routes into further learning and skills development.
Bringing our Adult Learners’ Week policy event series to a close, the session provided a valuable opportunity to share international evidence, explore practical responses to common challenges around essential skills, and strengthen understanding of how Wales can support more adults to improve their literacy and numeracy skills.
Speakers:
- Anja Meierkord, Labour Market Economist, OECD
- Stephen Evans, Chief Executive, Learning and Work Institute
- Lynsey Imms, National Officer: Head of Skills and Fair Work, Wales TUC
- Lynnette Thomas, Public Health, Swansea Bay University Health Board
- Aled Jones-Griffith, Chief Executive Officer, Grŵp Llandrillo Menai
- Rhian Edwards, Executive Director for Policy, Medr
