·  Raise public awareness & support for literacy

Our country has an unacceptably high rate of low literacy. As a society, we must examine the underlying causes of low literacy and commit to the life- long development of literacy skills among our citizens. We must continue to remove the stigma attached to low literacy, while at the same time renewing the value we place on education as a basic human right. To this end, a large- scale, national and provincial public awareness campaign on literacy issues and solutions should be implemented as soon as possible.

·  Increase funding to literacy programs

Once public awareness is raised, it is reasonable to suggest that demands for literacy services will increase. Many programs are already seriously underfunded and understaffed, and have long waiting lists. Quality educational programming requires an adequate and stable source of funding.

The Provincial and federal governments must continue to increase both core and special project funding to adult literacy programs throughout the province. Special consideration must be given to the unique needs of women, persons with disabilities, and northern, rural and Aboriginal communities when funding strategies are developed.

If you accept the premise that it is the government's responsibility to oversee education to the Grade 12 level and that all students, regardless of age, should have access to this education unencumbered by tuition fees and (other) costs, then it only makes sense that the funding for these programs should be (allocated) from the education budget. (Hoddinott: 1998, p. 204)

·  Enhance existing resources & technology in literacy classrooms

With improved funding comes the ability to purchase better resource materials and improved technology such as computers, audio and video equipment. The Manitoba Chamber of Commerce calls for the "development of a process to integrate state-of-the-art technology and internet access in all literacy programs" (Literacy Partners of Manitoba). More money also allows literacy programs to pay qualified instructors a better wage, hire additional support staff, and to provide staff with on-going professional development opportunities.