Why Literacy Matters In Cayman

The most recent and reliable data on literacy rates in the Cayman Islands comes from the 2021 Census conducted by the Economics and Statistics Office. According to this census, 98.6% of individuals aged 10 years and older reported being able to read, write, and understand written material. The literacy rate showed slight variations by gender: 98.4% for males and 98.8% for females. ESO

This self-reported data aligns closely with earlier estimates, such as the World Bank's 2017 figure of 99% literacy among adults aged 15 and above. FRED

It's important to note that the 2021 Census data is based on self-assessment rather than standardised testing. While this provides a useful overview, it may not capture the full range of literacy skills across the population.

While the Cayman Islands boasts a high basic literacy rate, this does not translate to high academic proficiency among students. Addressing this gap requires beginning in early childhood, where the foundation of lifelong learning is built. Literacy is a powerful tool for social justice, capable of breaking intergenerational cycles of disadvantage, levelling the playing field and empowering every individual to reach their full potential.

“The road to human progress and the means through which every man, woman and child can realise his or her full potential.”

Former Secretary-General of the United Nations and Nobel Peace Prize recipient, Kofi Annan
Money tree growing out of open book

How We Tackle the Issue

Increasing literacy training and providing more equal-access educational opportunities within the community is a start.

Since 2012, LIFE has assisted in identifying long-term solutions to existing literacy problems on island. Working alongside our community partners, LIFE has been able to chip away at the socioeconomic barriers currently presenting in Cayman.

However, the road to human progress is long. To date LIFE Cayman has donated over 100,000 books across the community, facilitated the distribution of donations to where they are most needed on island volunteered a collective 10,000 hours and empowered parents and caregivers to get more involved with their child's education… and we are still going!

It is important to continue to be proactive in how we as a community respond to the issue of literacy in Cayman. With continued private and public sector participation and support there is potential for transformational change within the system.

Volunteer