France addresses illiteracy through training and culture

During the National Days of Action Against Illiteracy (JNAI) in France, organizations are highlighting the impact of low literacy levels on professional life. Approximately 1.5 million adults in France face illiteracy, with half of those affected currently employed.

AKTO, a skills operator supporting 21 professional branches, has prioritized the mastery of basic skills—including reading, writing, and digital literacy—as a core strategic goal for the next three years. Their 2025 analysis indicates that nearly one in five service-sector companies reports employees struggling with these fundamental skills, which can hinder workplace safety, professional mobility, and training access.

In the Saône-et-Loire region, local authorities are using cultural tools to raise awareness. The prefecture organized a film debate featuring the movie ‘Brillantes’ by Sylvie Gautier, which depicts the daily challenges of a cleaning agent facing professional difficulties due to illiteracy. This approach aims to humanize the statistics and address the stigma associated with the condition.