People with functional illiteracy often hide their difficulties because they feel ashamed and live in constant worry that their problem will be recognized. It is difficult for them to start a reading and writing course and thus admit the problem. Functional illiterates are outsiders in many respects: they do not get ahead professionally, hardly participate in public life, are psychologically tense, often depressed, have relationship problems. They are very dependent on help from others, for example when it comes to reading instructions, studying timetables or using ATMs. Those who are dependent on the help of others on a daily basis do not have the opportunity to do something new on their own for once; limits always become apparent. The vicious circle of lack of self-esteem and insecurity always leads to social isolation.
Where to get help?
Currently, about 20,000 affected people take advantage of the opportunity to learn to read and write in courses – mostly at adult education centers. However, many people who cannot read and write sufficiently do not yet know that there are literacy opportunities. The employment office cannot provide people with inadequate knowledge of language and writing with follow-up training. Those affected must take care of this themselves.
The most important first step is the Alpha-Telephone, which has existed since 1995: It can be reached at any time by calling 0251/533344. It gives tips to those affected and to relatives of illiterates as to where in which city courses are held in which reading and writing are taught.
