Profile
Settings
Refer your friends
Sign out
UNESCO designated September 8 as International Literacy Day in 1966 to raise awareness about the value of literacy at all levels of society and to encourage more investment in making the world a better place for readers. There have been improvements, but illiteracy remains a problem in many regions and different groups of people.
Due to increased global movement, multilingualism is now more widespread than ever before, making it imperative that we find ways to include a wide range of languages and dialects in our teaching and learning materials. The ability to communicate in more than one language is a key factor in creating communities that are welcoming to people of diverse backgrounds. It is also a trait shared by many vulnerable and oppressed groups, such as migrants, refugees, and those constantly on the move. With a focus on holistic and multidisciplinary approaches,
The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and governments throughout the globe celebrate International Literacy Day annually on September 8. Despite progress, there are still at least 771 million people around the globe who cannot read or write. Literacy initiatives for children and adults may benefit from the publicity generated by International Literacy Day 2022, focusing on innovative and effective teaching methods.
Key takeaways
- UNESCO designated September 8 as International Literacy Day in 1966
- “Transforming Literacy Learning Spaces” is the theme for International Literacy Day 2022.
- Knowledge is power
- There are still at least 771 million people around the globe who cannot read or write.
The Theme for International Literacy Day 2022
“Transforming Literacy Learning Spaces” is the theme for International Literacy Day 2022. With this year’s Literacy Day theme focusing on building resilience and ensuring a quality, fair, and inclusive education for everyone, we may reflect on the importance of reading and writing again.
What is the point of celebrating International Literacy Day in 2022?
Literacy is one of the countless aspects that contribute to the growth of society or an individual and allows individuals greater independence and freedom to think for themselves. People and organisations commemorate International Literacy Day to encourage and aid others. We can show appreciation by serving as role models for young people, furnishing libraries with books, and providing scholarships to deserving students.
Traditions followed on International Literacy Day 2022
The gift of literacy is frequently disregarded. The ability to read is fundamental to our survival. It’s difficult to get around and experience many things in life if you can’t read or write.
Organisations and people worldwide take the initiative and use their reading and writing skills to inspire and empower others struggling to learn on International Literacy Day. Students and working adults offer their time to teach local youngsters; monetary and in-kind donations to libraries and sponsorship of a student’s education and training all contribute to the success of that student in the long run.
Government Institutions – and international-level organisations conduct think tanks and discussion sessions to design and execute effective strategies to end illiteracy at its underlying causes. As part of their efforts, they hold charity events as well. Each year, a different subject is chosen for International Literacy Day to raise the consciousness of a particular problem via the medium of literacy.
Importance of Education and Literacy
Everyone should work to enhance their literacy skills.
Improving Brain functioning
Reading, writing, and maths daily keep brain cells healthy as people age, lowering the risk of cognitive decline and diseases like Alzheimer’s.
Involvement in the Community
Adults and children alike are hindered in their potential to make positive contributions to society due to a lack of literacy skills, damping their enthusiasm for social interaction.
Intuitive Exchange of Information
A person’s communication skills are greatly enhanced through reading and writing instruction, especially their capacity to convey their thoughts, emotions, and ideas to others.
Improvement in One’s Position of Employment
Jobs that provide a chance to climb the socioeconomic ladder often need basic literacy and numeracy abilities. Literacy stops the cycle of poverty, one life at a time.
Knowledge is Power
The ability to read and write is a fundamental step in achieving independence and restoring our sense of worth and value as human beings.
Interesting Statistical Facts
In honour of today’s International Literacy Day, here are some fascinating statistics regarding the state of literacy throughout the globe:
World
- A total of 771 million individuals throughout the globe still lack basic reading abilities. Half of the world’s illiterate people are in South Asia, while a quarter is in sub-Saharan Africa.
- The proportion of children who dropped out of elementary or secondary education decreased from 26% in 2000 to 17% in 2018 when the epidemic hit.
- When broken down geographically, sub-Saharan Africa has the highest percentage of out-of-school children. Over eighty-five percent of the region’s kids are not meeting basic educational standards.
- Even before the epidemic began, adult education wasn’t one of the main objectives of many countries. Less than 4% of education budgets worldwide were allocated to adult education and literacy, over 60% of nations.
India
- As a whole, 74.04% of the population of India is literate.
- In India, gender differences persist in literacy rates too. The overall male literacy rate is 82.14 percent, whereas the female literacy rate is just 65.46 percent.
- Kerala ranks as the most literate state having a 93.91 percent literacy rate, according to the 2011 Census. The states of Lakshadweep and Mizoram follow closely after.
- Bihar has the lowest literacy rate in the country, at 63.82 percent. Rajasthan (67.06%) and Arunachal Pradesh (66.95%) are close behind.
