Den Inhalt vun dëser Säit ass net op Lëtzebuergesch verfügbar What does it mean to navigate everyday life with limited literacy or numeracy skills? This question was at the centre of an OECD webinar held on 1 July 2026, where Andreas Schleicher, Director for Education and Skills, presented the latest findings from the PIAAC thematic report Navigating Life with Low Literacy and Numeracy. The event brought together researchers, policymakers and practitioners to discuss one of the most persistent challenges facing education systems: despite decades of investment, millions of adults continue to struggle with basic skills, while those who could benefit most from learning opportunities are often the least likely to participate. The report reminds us that literacy and numeracy are far more than educational outcomes. They shape people's ability to understand information, solve everyday problems, manage finances, participate in the labour market and engage confidently with society. Adults with low levels of these skills are more likely to experience unemployment, lower earnings and poorer health outcomes, while also reporting lower levels of trust and civic participation. One of the strongest messages emerging from the discussion was that there is no single profile of a low-skilled adult. Some people left school early, others have qualifications but struggle to apply their skills in changing workplaces, while migrants may face language barriers despite possessing strong competences in other areas. This diversity matters because it challenges the idea that a single programme or policy can meet everyone's needs. The webinar also revisited a well-known but persistent paradox in adult learning: participation remains lowest among those who stand to gain the most. Limited confidence, financial pressures, caring responsibilities, inflexible work schedules and a lack of accessible learning opportunities continue to prevent many adults from engaging in education and training. Speakers argued that addressing these barriers requires more than simply expanding course provision. Outreach, guidance, workplace learning and community-based initiatives all have a role to play in creating learning opportunities that fit adults' lives. For our community on EPALE, the findings provide another reminder that basic skills should not be viewed as a narrow educational issue. Literacy and numeracy underpin employability, social inclusion, digital participation and lifelong learning itself. Strengthening these skills therefore requires collaboration across education, employment, social policy and community development. The report closes with a message that is both familiar and timely: investing in adults with low literacy and numeracy is not only about improving individual outcomes; it is about strengthening the resilience of communities, labour markets and societies as a whole. As technological change accelerates and everyday life becomes increasingly complex, ensuring that adults have strong foundational skills remains one of the most important investments Europe can make.
