Published in 2014. Some details may be out of date. See the latest news.
Yesterday the World was celebrating International Literacy Day (8th of September). It was first celebrated in 1966. Its aim is to highlight the importance of literacy to individuals, communities and societies and the challenges ahead in promoting global literacy. On International Literacy Day each year, UNESCO reminds the international community of the status of literacy and adult learning globally. According to UNESCO, about 774 million adults lack the minimum literacy skills. One in five adults is still not literate and two-thirds of them are women. About 75 million children are out-of-school and many more attend irregularly or drop out. However, literacy is also a cause for celebration on the day because there are nearly four billion literate people in the world.
The theme of this year’s event was “Literacy and Sustainable Development’ to highlight how literacy to promote sustainable development by allowing greater decision-making power in economic development, social development and environmental protection. Literacy is a basis for lifelong learning and plays a crucial foundational role in the creation of sustainable, prosperous and peaceful societies.
This year’s International Literacy Day is celebrated worldwide. A main global celebration took place in Dhaka, where the Government of Bangladesh in cooperation with UNESCO organized the International Conference on “Girls’ and women’s literacy and education: Foundations for sustainable development and the awarding of UNESCO Literacy Prizes” in support for the UN Secretary General’s Global Education First Initiative (GEFI).
The views expressed in the blog do not necessarily represent the views of ASLTIP. Publication does not imply endorsement.
