World Literacy Day for a Better Life and Future
What gives us the power to know our rights and learn new things? What is the medium that makes us curious to know more? What gives us the power of judgement and decision-making? Every answer to all these questions will lead to literacy. The world celebrates International Literacy Day on September 8th every year.
On this day, we acknowledge the importance of literacy in our lives. People across the world pledge to spread the awareness of literacy to build a democracy and give the highest importance to everyone’s birth rights. Keep reading ahead to know more about literacy and its significance.
What is Literacy?
Literacy is the power to read and write in a particular language. It is also the power to listen to something, understand, and communicate accordingly. Literacy comes from the teaching and education we get at school, at home, and in our surroundings.
This is no less than a superpower that enables us to understand and gather knowledge. It lets us make rational decisions by learning how to think logically. The more we read, study, and understand things, the better our thought process will become. It will literally change the way a society thinks and will help it progress towards a better future.
Literacy is considered to be the first step to many new things in life. A person becomes aware of his birth rights. He can realise what is wrong and right based on the laws. It also makes our minds more curious to know something deeply and to revert with proper knowledge. To promote these benefits, Literacy Day is celebrated on 8th September every year.
When Do We Celebrate World Literacy Day?
We celebrate World Literacy Day on 8th September every year. In 1967, UNESCO announced this day of the year to celebrate literacy across the world. On this day, countries pledge to support and promote literacy in their populations.
Since then, this day has been celebrated as literacy day every year. UNESCO determined the necessity of literacy and its crucial role related to human development. Hence, intensive efforts were made to promote literacy among individuals, societies, and communities in many countries.
World Literacy Day for a Better Future
According to the data published by the UN, nearly 773 million people do not have access to basic literacy. 617 million adolescents and children do not have the minimum proficiency in mathematics and reading skills. To reduce this number and to spread awareness of literacy, this day is commemorated as International Literacy Day. UNESCO pledges to achieve universal literacy by 2060.
International Literacy Day Slogans and Quotes
The International Literacy Day 2021 had the slogan and theme that explained ‘Literacy for a human-centred recovery: Narrowing the digital divide’. This year was a crucial one as UNESCO and the governments of different countries had to deal with the COVID19 crisis in education.
With all the events, many awards were distributed to the teachers, communities, schools, etc. at country levels for innovative measures to keep education and literacy going. The celebration took place with the distribution of UNESCO International Literacy Prizes awarded to the deserving.
Here is a list of famous International Literacy Day quotes that depict the importance of literacy.
"The man who does not read has no advantage over the man who cannot read.” – Mark Twain.
“Let us remember: One book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world.” - Malala Yousafzai
“Literacy is a bridge from misery to hope." - Kofi Annan
“The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.” - B.B. King
“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.”- Mahatma Gandhi
Understanding the meaning of these famous quotes will surely help you realise the importance of literacy in the modern world. In India, the National Literacy Day coincides with that of the international one celebrated across the world.
What can you do on Literacy Day?
Spread the awareness and make people realise the importance of Literacy by doing the following things in your community, society, village, city or town.
1. Pass Your Education Material
Once you are done studying some books, you can pass them on to the next generation of students. This action will have a brilliant motive. You will find the ideal way to raise awareness related to literacy and help students to take a step ahead by donating your study material.
Convince other students like you to do the same. You can also approach the school authorities to encourage students to do the same. It will become a revolution that enables students to find textbooks for free and to continue studying.
2. Teach and Spread the Word
The best way to celebrate Literature Day is to pledge and teach one or two students for free. You will find multiple candidates willing to study if they have the right platform. Seek such students and deliver knowledge. Make them understand the importance of being literate in this era and encourage them to spread the message on Literacy.
3. Learn Something New
You can also take a step ahead and learn something new. You can learn how to speak another language. Promote the necessity of learning how to read and write in the mother tongue.
A Message to Convey
Let illiterate people know the power of reading, writing, and mathematics. Simple calculations can make us think logically. We can make better decisions when we are literate. The knowledge we gather becomes the fuel for rational thinking. This is why celebrating International Literacy Day is needed. It is crucial for a better future with a world full of literate people making good decisions.
