New York City, 8 September 2022 (TDI): Nations all over the world are celebrating International Literacy Day today. On this day, events are held all over the world to highlight the importance of literacy for a sustainable society.
Let’s make sense of the world!
8 September is #LiteracyDay.https://t.co/pb72CvJLi3 pic.twitter.com/aYA2Rg8dsh
— UNESCO 🏛️ #Education #Sciences #Culture 🇺🇳😷 (@UNESCO) September 8, 2022
Since 1967, International Literacy Day (ILD) is celebrated all around the world on 8th September to remind the public about the significance of literacy. Moreover, the theme of this year is ‘Transforming Literacy Learning Spaces.’ It highlights the importance of equitable and inclusive educational spaces for all.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) specifically works for the purpose of promoting world peace and security through international cooperation, education, arts, sciences and culture.
Furthermore, the motto of UNESCO is to spread awareness about literacy as a matter of basic human right. According to UNESCO’s statistics, 771 million people still lack basic literacy skills even in today’s advanced world.
Global Literacy Statistics
The global literacy rate is 86.3% however when it comes to the individual statistics of different countries, the number varies. The developed countries have high literacy rates, but the underdeveloped or developing are lagging far behind.
Uzbekistan has the highest literacy rate of 99.99% reported in 2018. Whereas Chad stands at 22.31%, the lowest literacy rate according to the statistics of 2016. However, countries are still progressing toward achieving a higher literacy rate as per their developments and capabilities.
Challenges to literacy
The biggest challenge to literacy was the global pandemic of 2019. Children all over the world suffered due to a sudden shift from physical to online learning. Due to arise in global inflation, there were many dropouts.
Director-General of UNESCO Audrey Azoulay said, “School closures and disruptions caused by the pandemic have likely driven learning losses and drop-outs. This is especially true for vulnerable populations. Through the celebration of International Literacy Day, UNESCO calls on all actors in the field of education and beyond to re-think the role of literacy.”
On this day, international organizations, philanthropist institutions, NGOs, civil societies, and the entire international community come together and advocate to fight against illiteracy.
