Youth

Youth literacy refers to the ability of young adults between the ages of 15 to 20 to use and understand the information they need to create and achieve goals for everyday life.

We assume that the literacy skills young people need will be gained through formal education, particularly high school. But, we all know youth that just don’t fit in with formal education for one reason or another.

Youth who do not succeed in school or who “fall through the cracks” are less likely to set and achieve healthy goals. They are more likely to engage in behaviours that are antisocial, unhealthy, or illegal.

Young people drop out or struggle through school for many reasons. A lack of basic literacy skills is a common factor. Family instability, violence, substance abuse and undiagnosed learning disabilities can make learning difficult. Simply teaching literacy is not always enough. Community building, group decision making, conflict resolution and problem-solving skills are part of the equation. Young adults who drop out of school and later enroll in an adult education program also require assistance in overcoming social and emotional barriers and learning the basics of how to learn.

These two videos were produced by youth at the Burnaby Corrections Centre in collaboration with Reel Youth.