Causes of low literacy

• Learning disability(ies)
• Family relocates frequently
• Overloaded school system
• Poor learning environments
• Physical, mental or developmental disability
• Cultural differences
• Violence
• Lack of education in English
• History of failure or low self-esteem
• Illness or absence from school
• Lack of support in learning

Effects of low literacy

• Development of coping skills (cover-up)
• Dependence
• Low self-esteem
• Frustration and anger
• Workplace errors or accidents
• Unemployed or under-employed
• Crime
• Accidents
• Dropping out of school
• Inability to help children with their school work
• Cycle of low literacy without a learning culture at home
• Loss of exercise of human rights
• Vulnerability to exploitation
• History of failure-patterns established
• Given up on dreams
• Depression
• Stress
• Health Issues