Last month, the Department brought together stakeholders involved in the fight against illiteracy at the departmental domain Pierresvives in Montpellier. This day, co-constructed by the National Agency for the Fight Against Illiteracy (ANLCI), the association CEREGARD, CRIA34, and the Department, attracted over a hundred people.
Jean-André Ithier, Director of Departmental Public Reading, emphasized the importance of bringing together departmental libraries and inviting them to collaborate with other organizations like ANLCI and associations. The morning was dedicated to sharing experiences and knowledge, followed by practical workshops.
Véronique Soulié, project manager at ANLCI, clarified the distinctions between illiteracy, analphabetism, and French as a foreign language. Illiteracy affects individuals schooled in French but without sufficient daily literacy skills, while analphabetism concerns those with little or no schooling. Learners of French as a foreign language acquired literacy in another language.
Véronique Soulié also noted that individuals experiencing illiteracy are often invisible, feeling shame and loss of self-confidence, making it difficult to ask for help. Leslie Joly, director of CEREGARD, highlighted public identification strategies and the shared responsibility of social, integration, and employment actors, as well as citizens.
Leslie Joly specified the need to listen to individuals and adapt to their timelines, needs, and desires for training. Two ambassadors from the 'Chaîne des savoirs' shared their learning journeys, enriching the discussions with Anne Vinérier, a doctor in educational sciences.
The afternoon featured practical workshops aimed at helping participants better understand the illiterate population and learn methods for supporting them.
