International Literacy Day

International Literacy Day

International Literacy Day is September 8 annually and is proclaimed by the United Nations UNESCO in order to remind the international community of the importance of literacy for people and society. 

The idea of International Literacy Day (ILD) was conceived during the World Conference of Ministers on the Eradication of Illiteracy in Tehran, Iran in 1965. A year later, during the 14 th sessions of UNESCO’s General Conference held on October 26, 1966, made the date an official observance. Since the year 1967, countless celebrations and progress has been made in making the world a more literate place. The main goal of International Literacy Day is to highlight the importance of literacy across the world and to remember the challenges that we are still facing in education. Literacy is a skill required for basic employment, certain skills and competencies needed on the average day.

Education should be considered a universal right, because it provides equitable and sustainable communities that end up enriching the world. Literacy and education can cause cultural advancement, economic growth and better livelihoods. A great portion of the world faces illiteracy problems, causing major issues for the countries facing them. The United Nations agenda for 2030, strives to have universal access to quality education and learning opportunities for all. With a little effort from everyone, it is possible to teach, educate ourselves and others in the importance of literacy and the meaningful impact it has in society.

How International Literacy Day unites people

Having an education is the ultimate weapon in understanding one another. Through literacy people have the advantage of learning different skills, such as, developing new ideas, forming deeper thoughts, expressing creativity in writing and being able to communicate with others in diverse ways. International Literacy Day can unite us is understanding our histories through writing, in encouraging each other in knowledge and challenging one another in our diversity by unifying our education. Becoming literate can open countless opportunities for everyone, including easier social interactions. It is up to all of us to motivate and find creative ways for learning together.

Tips to improve literacy

• Reading to kids with enthusiasm
• Make reading challenges and read more complex writing
• Encourage writing
• Teach vocabulary and numeracy 
• Incorporate games for learning language
• Form structure and consistency

The goal of International Literacy Day in 2019 is to focus on literacy and multilingualism to embrace the diversity in the globalized and digital world.