If you can read this blog article now, do you realise how fortunate you are? Yes, with the ability to read, you are more blessed than nearly 800 million adults worldwide that lack basic literacy skills, even in this age of enlightenment, technology and modern living… Therefore, International Literacy Day is on 8 September annually.
We only gave you an estimate of adults without the necessary literacy skills above, but there are children without it too. UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation) has been celebrating this day for decades now, reminding the international community that literacy is a human right and the foundation for all learning.
International Literacy Day
Literacy remains an unaccomplished goal and an ever-moving target, especially in the digital world. This day aims to highlight the importance and value of literacy education for individuals and groups and the broader global culture.
Lessons learnt over the years (with a combination of ambitious goals, insufficient and parallel efforts, inadequate resources and strategies, and continued underestimation of the magnitude and complexity of the task) show that meeting the goal of universal literacy calls, not only for more effective efforts, but also for renewed political will and for doing things differently at all levels – locally, nationally, and internationally.
UNESCO’s partnerships with governments, charities, local communities, and experts in the field worldwide use themes and programs to turn attention on literacy in all its forms in a changing world. It’s more than just a written word; it’s to eradicate poverty and inequalities across the globe.
Covid-19’s impact on literacy
This year’s focus is on Literacy teaching and learning in the COVID-19 crisis and beyond with a focus on the role of educators and changing pedagogies. Unfortunately, due to Covid, many literacy programmes were absent in many countries, and those that did exist were suspended with just a few courses continuing virtually, through TV and radio, or in open-air spaces.
With questions such as:
Covid-19’s impact on literacy
How to effectively build strategies for recovery that will help analyse the role of educators, as well as effective policies, systems, governance, and measures.
How can you help?
Uncountable organisations are contributing to literacy in South Africa, such as Shine Literacy and READ, who are trying to bring change. Most of these organisations could do with a small donation towards adult and children’s education, and they would be grateful for any support they can get.
An alternative is to volunteer at a children’s home near you with borrowed books from Sandton Library on Mandela’s Square. You could also donate educational books from CNA or Exclusive Books at Benmore Centre, to an orphanage or a literacy organisation.
However, you choose to contribute to our people wellbeing in general, remember that literacy is one of the greatest you can give a person. “Literacy is a bridge from misery to hope.” – Kofi Annan
