On 26 October 1966, UNESCO proclaimed 8 September as International Literacy Day to combat worldwide issues of illiteracy. The purpose was not only to combat illiteracy but also to promote literacy as a tool that could empower individuals as well as whole communities. Due to this many people around the globe will get employment opportunities and will improve their lives. Do you know that the idea of an International Literacy Day was born at the World Conference of Ministers of Education on the eradication of illiteracy held in Tehran in 1965? This day was also adopted as part of the UN's sustainable development goals program in 2015. The issue of
literacy is a key component of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals and the UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Importance of International Literacy Day
UNESCO has been central to improve literacy worldwide and that is why promotes International Literacy Day in partnership with governments, charities, local communities, and experts in the field worldwide. By adopting various themes every year wants to turn attention to literacy in all its forms
in a changing world. No doubt without literacy we can't make changes in the world and also can't improve our living being.
According to UNESCO "Literacy is the best remedy" which is the key to the right for all to an education. Also, we all know that UNESCO's sustainable development goals mobilise efforts to eradicate poverty and inequalities across the world, and improving literacy rates are an integral element. UNESCO also announces International Literacy awards; these are prestigious prizes recognising excellence and innovation submissions on the "Literacy and skills development" theme for 2018. With this
further, the importance of this day will be enhanced and promotes awareness and relevance of literacy and adult learning.
TRADITIONS OF THE DAY
Literacy is a blessing often taken for granted. Reading is essential in our daily lives. Navigating
through the world without being able to read or write is challenging and is a blockade for experiencing so many things.
On International Literacy Day, organizations and individuals take charge and use their literacy to encourage and assist those who are facing difficulties on how to read and write. Students and employed people volunteer to tutor children in the community, books are generously donated to libraries, and a student’s tuition and learning are sponsored to launch their life-long success.