September 8th is International Literacy Day. This annual celebration is an opportunity to highlight improvements in world literacy rates. It is also an opportunity to reflect on the remaining challenges.
The UNESCO proclaimed September 8th as International Literacy Day in 1966. Most specifically, this occurred at the 14th session of their October 26, 1966 General Conference. International Literacy Day was officially born at the World Conference of Ministers of Education on the Eradication of Illiteracy in 1965.
The theme for this year’s celebration is Literacy and skills development. In fact, Literacy challenges persist around the world in spite of the progress made. In addition, the skills required for jobs are evolving at a fast pace. Therefore, the focus of this year’s celebration is on exploring and highlighting integrated approaches. These are approaches that can simultaneously support the development of literacy and skills.
The good news is that literacy rates are continuing to rise from one generation to the next. However, young women continue to lag behind young men. In fact, according to data published in 2017 by the UNESCO Institute For Statistics , there are still 750 millions illiterate adults. Two-thirds are women. So a lot of work still needs to be done.
So, what role can we play? How can we all help increase literacy rates around the world or even around us? Here are 4 easy ways we can do it:
1. Know the facts
We cannot understand the extent of an issue or even start addressing it if we don’t know the facts. There is a lot of information out there on world’s literacy; however, I prefer to rely on the data from the UNESCO’s website. As noted above, there has been progress, but a lot still needs to be done. The data below from the UNESCO’s Institute For Statistics Fact Sheet No. 45 dated September 2017 is quite telling.
2. Raise awareness
After we’ve done our research and gathered as much information as possible, we need to talk about it. We should not assume that people know about it. Even if we live in countries where literacy rates are high, we must remember that there are still countries where the rates are as low as 20%. So if we believe it is a basic human right to know how to read, let’s talk about it.
3. Support organizations reaching at-risk populations
There are many organizations that are working to decrease illiteracy. Examples include ProLiteracy, Reach Out and Read, Literacy for Incarcerated Teens, etc. Do some research in your area and reach out to see how you can help. You don’t need to make a financial contribution. You can donate a few hours of your time to help in any areas the organizations might need help with (e.g., sorting books received, reading to children, etc.)
4. Donate Books
Whether it is books on the alphabet, numbers/counting, or short stories, your book donations can make a difference in the lives of many. For ideas on where to donate books, check Better World Books and The African Library Project .
Let’s all be part of the International Literacy Day celebration this year!
Until next time…
Huguette