One in four Vorarlberg adults struggles with basic skills

One in four adults in Vorarlberg struggles with reading, writing or basic arithmetic, ORF reports. The issue was highlighted on Tuesday, International Literacy Day, with free courses offered at adult education centres to help those affected.

A study estimates that around 80,000 people in Vorarlberg cannot take reading for granted, understand a letter or solve simple written maths problems. About 10 years ago, the number of people affected was estimated to be roughly half as high, said Stefan Fischnaller, director of the Götzis adult education centre.

The difficulties do not necessarily mean that people cannot read or write at all. Problems often involve understanding written information such as package leaflets, contracts or instructions.

People who immigrated to Austria are not the only ones affected. Fischnaller said the study found that 56 percent of those experiencing difficulties were born in Austria, attended school there and had no migration background.

Digitalisation has both helped and hindered literacy, according to the experts. Voice controls and autocorrect can help people compensate for weaknesses, but they can also conceal those weaknesses for longer. Short content on social media also means people practise extended reading less often.

Bastian Kresser, a basic education project manager, said people often made progress once they began reading regularly. He called for books and libraries to be made more appealing, noting that they offer free access and can help people expand their vocabulary.

Many affected people find it difficult to enrol in a course because they feel ashamed. Only two basic education courses are held each year at the adult education centre, despite being free of charge.