People with poor literacy skills are struggling to get help because the scale of the problem is underestimated, according to the Reading and Writing Foundation (Stichting Lezen & Schrijven).

The national audit office Algemene Rekenkamer has calculated that 2.5 million people in the Netherlands have problems with reading, writing and computer literacy, but in a survey two out of three people said they knew nobody with such difficulties.

The issue is the focus of national literacy week (Week van de Alfabetisering), which aims to raise awareness and tackle the taboo of illiteracy. Stichting Lezen & Schrijven said many people were unaware that the term covered computer literacy as well as better known issues such as dyslexia.

Another reason for underestimating the problem was that many people find ways to disguise or conceal their lack of literacy, rather than seeking help.

Research by the organisation also found that one person in four was prepared to make time to help somebody who had difficulties with reading, writing and using computers.