International Literacy Day
Acquiring the skills of reading and writing is crucial for everyone, as it makes our life much easier and enjoyable. Imagine the situation that you travelled a foreign country without knowing the local language. Not understanding the basic things such as, signs, instructions, documents and packaging, would leave you in difficult situation. This is also true for illiteracy, as without being able to read and write, we might feel quite powerless in front of the daily situations and challenges. Illiteracy is a major problem around the world. To acknowledge the huge efforts of people working in this field, the United Nations celebrates International Literacy Day each year on September 8.
International Literacy Day was declared by UNESCO on 26 October 1966 at the 14th session of UNESCO's General Conference. It was celebrated for the first time in 1967.
Its aim is to highlight the importance of literacy to individuals, communities and societies and to raise awareness of the literacy problems that impact around 770 million adults and children around the world. International Literacy Day also encourages governments to take action to improve their country’s literacy rates.
International Literacy Day began because a global need was identified to improve education and diminish illiteracy rates around the world. It is estimated that around 14 per cent of the global population is illiterate. Currently, on in five adults is illiterate, with two-thirds of those being women. At the same time, around 61 million children don’t attend school, and 250 million children lack basic literacy skills.
Each year on September 8, UNESCO holds and awards ceremony in Paris in which prizes are given to individuals and organizations who work hard to increase literacy around the world. Everyone can contribute to boost literacy in many ways like teaching children and young people how to read, awakening a love of books in them and getting them more interested in literature. That’s why, let’s work altogether to decrease illiteracy and build promising and bright future for those who are in need.
Yhlas ATAMYRADOV,
the 3rd year student of
the faculty of International Journalism
of
the Institute of International Relations of
the Ministry
of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan.