Maria Deskur

Maria Deskur is the CEO of Fundacja Powszechnego Czytania (Universal Reading Foundation). Maria is a social entrepreneur dedicated to promoting literacy. With extensive experience in publishing, she drives initiatives to foster reading habits and improve access to books.

Literacy for Democracy and Security

We need to make a strong case for a commitment to building the resilience and quality of critical thinking brains of EU citizens. Such an investment is a prerequisite for raising the next generation of democratic leaders, businessmen, scientists and citizens; for peaceful dialogue, security against manipulation and demagogues. 

The future of Europe will depend on the level of formation of the next generation to be subjects, not objects of communication. Literacy is key to this. 

It is crucial that we all, including our decision owners, start perceving and treating literacy for what it truly is: the proven key to shaping the future of resilient citizens and more equal, vibrant, and peaceful democracies. 
In order to obtain this change of perception we need to analyze and challenge the mental models of thinking which are roots of the narratives we all use. Because from these narratives originate perceptions, strategies and goals decision owners around Europe take and implement. 
An analysis of the current mental models in the light of research which is available shows how differently formulated our arguments should be in order to be in line with research and (also very importantly) have impact.