National Days of Action against Illiteracy
In France, 3.7 million adults struggle with basic skills – reading, writing and numeracy – even though they attended school in France. The aim of the 2026 edition of the National Days of Action against Illiteracy is to move from identifying the problem to implementing solutions by mobilising everyone who wants to tackle illiteracy and challenge preconceived notions.
Ten per cent of the population in France has significant difficulties with one of the basic skills. In the overseas territories, the average is much higher: 19 per cent in Guadeloupe! For these people, this constitutes a real handicap in their daily lives, resulting in limited independence when it comes to finding a job, carrying out administrative procedures online, travelling, monitoring their children’s schooling via digital platforms, and so on. Yet it is possible to relearn these skills and overcome this situation at any age!
It is essential to shed light on this often-hidden reality. This is the very purpose of the National Days of Action against Illiteracy (JNAI), which, from 14 September to 2 October, shine a spotlight on initiatives taking place across France, designed to support people at a local level. In 2025, more than 1,740 accredited initiatives were rolled out across the country. In Saint-Martin, for the 2026 edition, two accredited initiatives will put this national solidarity into practice and provide tailored solutions for residents.
The Labour Inspectorate
Functional illiteracy and digital illiteracy affect employees, apprentices and business owners, but many are reluctant to speak out of fear or a lack of awareness of the solutions available. Yet, being able to read, write and comprehend is essential for understanding one’s contract, payslip and safety instructions, as well as knowing one’s rights, accessing industrial tribunals or the Labour Inspectorate, or even setting up one’s own business.
From 15 September until 31 December, the Labour Inspectorate is running an awareness campaign on illiteracy, with a particular focus on access to employment and integration into the workplace. The Information Office of the Saint Martin Labour Inspectorate, located in Concordia (23 Rue de Spring, opposite Mont-des-Accords secondary school), is open to provide information, protection and guidance on suitable training courses. For any enquiries regarding employment law: 05 90 29 59 07. To find out more about this initiative: sophie.viguier@deets.gouv.fr.
Jielle Formation
Founded in 2016 in Guadeloupe by Joceline Laurent, a professional adult educator and expert in combating illiteracy, and established in Saint Martin since 2019, Jielle Formation specialises in the acquisition of basic skills, upskilling vulnerable groups and providing support towards employment.
As part of the JNAI, the training centre is organising a workshop focused on developing basic skills and numeracy for success in working life, this Wednesday 23 September, from 9.00 am to 1.00 pm in Quartier d’Orléans (Building 8 of the Hirondelles residential complex).
This initiative, accredited by the National Agency for the Fight Against Illiteracy, will bring together institutional partners, employment support organisations, training providers, businesses and local residents for a programme of activities, workshops, demonstrations of innovative tools and personal accounts highlighting the challenges surrounding basic skills in the region.
