Kretschmer visits DIU: Together against functional illiteracy!

Kretschmer visits DIU: Together against functional illiteracy!

On June 19, 2025, Saxony's Prime Minister Michael Kretschmer visited the DIU Writing Academy to find out about the current literacy programs for adults with low literacy levels. The academy, which has been in existence for 12 years, specializes in teaching adults to read and write. The visit took place in the academy's campus lecture hall, where participants had the opportunity to ask Kretschmer personal questions, including about his favorite foods, places and books.

During his visit, the Prime Minister also answered questions from the participants. They had previously put together a “success folder” that contained documentation of excursions, projects and plans. Dr. Cornelia Wehner, the head of the academy, and Kretschmer held intensive discussions about the topics of academic further training, knowledge transfer and the recruitment of skilled workers. The aim of the exchange was to identify joint initiatives and synergy opportunities.

The importance of literacy measures

There are currently around 200,000 functionally illiterate people living in Saxony schools.sachsen.de reported. According to the Leo study by the University of Hamburg, 14.5% of German adults between the ages of 18 and 64 are affected, which corresponds to around 7.5 million people of working age. Although these people are able to read and write individual letters, words and sentences, they have difficulty with longer texts or tables.

The challenges these people face are diverse. Due to their limited ability to use written language, they often have difficulties in everyday life and on the job market. The aim of literacy work is to encourage those affected and to provide suitable learning opportunities. Literacy courses, which also offer social-educational support and practical phases, help to increase employability and improve social integration.

Initiatives to combat illiteracy

The Coordination Office for Literacy and Basic Education in Saxony has been active since 2010 to address these challenges. Since 2023, the ALFAplus coordination office has been supported by the Saxon Adult Education Association. This initiative supports the exchange between experts, connects various providers and brings together important information in order to raise public awareness of the issue of functional illiteracy.

The National Decade for Literacy and Basic Education, launched in 2016, aims to reduce functional illiteracy and increase the level of basic education in Germany. In order to achieve this, the cooperation of all social partners is essential in order to improve the living situation of those affected in the long term.

Finally, Michael Kretschmer's visit to the DIU Writing Academy shows the importance of supporting literacy projects and the need to raise awareness of the issue of functional illiteracy. Thanks were expressed to Kretschmer and the Saxony Literacy and Basic Education Coordination Office for their support so far, which has made a significant contribution to improving the living situation of many people in Saxony.