Literacy is is your ability to understand and use printed material in daily activities, at home, at work and in the community - to achieve one's goals, and to develop one's knowledge and potential  [1].  Some sources define literacy as the "ability to identify, understand, interpret, create, communicate, compute and use printed and written materials..." [2].

Essential Skills are the skills you need to learn all other skills.  Each person requires Essential Skills to function in their daily life, at home, at work and in the community.  Everyone needs essential skills to be literate.  Having strong essential skills leads to better paying jobs and the adaptability to meet new challenges and stay employed.