Vision
“The Literacy Department is responsible for the prevention and reduction of illiteracy and low literacy on the island of Bonaire. In addition, the department provides information and advice to companies and organizations regarding communication with illiterate and low-literate individuals. In cooperation with chain partners, FORMA works on creating acceptance and emancipation of the low-literate, so that they can participate in society, feel that they are part of the community, and take advantage of the opportunities being offered. In this way, each individual is given the opportunity to function optimally and independently in the society.”
Mission
A low-literate person is an individual who doesn’t sufficiently master certain skills in order to function independently in society: telling time, basic arithmetic, oral and written expression, listening , and reading skills. Generally, this concerns people who did not successfully complete primary or secondary education.
In 2015, Stichting Lezen en Schrijven Bonaire, translated, the Reading and Writing Foundation Bonaire conducted a study on low literacy on the island. The study concluded that at least 21.8% of Bonaire’s adult population is low-literate.
Through Literacy courses, each individual has the opportunity to develop themselves in Papiamentu in the following areas:
- reading
- writing
- understanding spoken language
- speaking
- telling time
- practical arithmetic skills
The Literacy Department responds to developments within the Bonairian, Caribbean, and Dutch context that may influence how Bonairians function, by developing specific information packages or modules for groups of illiterate and low-literate individuals. The department also develops courses for low-literate individuals, such as: social skills, budgeting, digital skills, and driver’s license theory.
In addition to courses for low-literate people, the Literacy Department also provides advice to companies, organizations, and institutions regarding communication with the low-literate, thereby improving their participation in our society.
The Literacy Department operates within all FORMA departments and collaborates with institutions to reach groups and individuals. The target group for Literacy consists of:
- MBO and SKJ students
- external course participants
- participants from companies or organizations
- long-term unemployed individuals
- probation clients
- detainees