The UN Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) declared
September 8 as International Literacy Day in 1965, marking the first anniversary
since 1966. The World Conference of Ministers of Education for the Eradication
of Illiteracy, held in Tehran in 1965, recommended the event be declared and
observed on September 8. Since its inception, the celebration has aimed to
educate, energize, and arouse global interest. The World Conference of Ministers
of Education for the Eradication of Illiteracy has been a vital event in promoting
non-formal education for all, particularly those excluded from the school
system. The Director-General of UNESCO addresses a message to the world,
encouraging individuals, organizations, and states to demonstrate their support
and solidarity for literacy and non-formal education.
Since the first Vernal Conference in 1946, the celebration has continued annually
with the goal of educating, energizing, and eliciting the interests and
preoccupations of the global public. The Director-General of UNESCO addresses
the globe in a statement on this day, urging people, groups, and governments to
show their solidarity with literacy efforts and to encourage non-formal
education for everyone, especially for those who have been shut out of the
educational system.
“Literacy is not merely a cognitive skill of reading, writing and arithmetic, for
literacy helps in the acquisition of leaning and life skills that, when strengthened
by usage and application throughout people's lives, lead to forms of individual,
community and societal development that are sustainable,” UNESCO Director-
General said in his message on the occasion of international Literacy Day 2006
Even the World Bank expressed its sincere appreciation for this program as the
idea of "Education for All" gained widespread acceptance. Education has both
freeing and evolutionary effects. It permits the person to progress from basic
material existence to higher levels of intellectual and spiritual consciousness.
Education is a conversation between the past, the present, and the future so
that future generations might learn the heritage's lessons and pass them on.
An estimated 781 million adults lack the fundamentals of literacy. Among whom,
women make up two-thirds. Additionally, 103 million kids lack access to a
school, which prevents them from learning to read, write, or count.
South and West Asia has the lowest regional adult literacy rate (58.6%), followed
by sub-Saharan Africa (59.7%), and the Arab States (62.7%), according toUNESCO's "Global Monitoring Report on Education for all (2006)". Burkina Faso
(12.8%), Niger (14.4%), and Mali (19%) have the lowest rates of literacy in the
world. The analysis demonstrates a direct link between severe property illiteracy
and prejudice against women.
World Literacy Day holds immense significance in changing society by promoting
education, eradicating illiteracy, fostering economic development, and enhancing social
progresses.
Education is a cornerstone of societal advancement. World Literacy Day serves as a global
reminder that access to education is a fundamental right and an essential tool for
empowerment. By addressing illiteracy, this day contributes to breaking the cycle of
poverty and inequality. It enables individuals to access information, make informed
decisions, and participate actively in civic life. In the present world view, education plays a
crucial role in enhancing decision-making skills. As the world becomes more complex and
interconnected, individuals are constantly faced with a multitude of choices and
challenges. Education equips people with the knowledge, critical thinking abilities, and
analytical skills needed to make informed and effective decisions.
Illiteracy often perpetuates social disparities and limits opportunities for marginalized
populations. By promoting literacy, World Literacy Day helps bridge the gap between
different social strata. Literate individuals are better equipped to secure employment,
manage their health, and engage in meaningful social interactions. This shift ultimately
results in reduced societal inequalities.Education provides marginalized individuals with
the skills and knowledge necessary to secure better job opportunities and higher incomes.
According to UNESCO, each additional year of schooling can increase an individual's
earnings by 10%. For example, in Sub-Saharan Africa, if all students completed primary
education, the poverty rate would decrease by 9%.Education empowers marginalized
communities to demand their rights, challenge stereotypes, and advocate for themselves.
Literate individuals are better equipped to participate in civic life and engage in
meaningful discussions. For instance, the Indian NGO "Barefoot College" empowers rural
women by providing them with education and skills to become solar engineers, enabling
them to bring renewable energy to their villages.
Economic development is closely intertwined with literacy. A literate workforce is essential
for a knowledge-driven economy. World Literacy Day underscores the importance of
equipping people with the skills needed for the modern job market. It enables them to
access higher-paying jobs, adapt to technological advancements, and contribute more
effectively to economic growth Literate individuals tend to earn higher incomes compared
to those with limited or no literacy skills. They can access higher-paying jobs that demand
complex tasks and responsibilities. In the digital age, jobs in fields like programming, data
analysis, and digital marketing require strong literacy skills to interpret and conveyinformation effectively.in the globalized economy, countries with higher literacy rates are
better positioned to compete on an international scale. They can attract foreign
investment, establish knowledge-based industries, and participate in global trade more
effectively. Literacy enables countries to engage in complex negotiations, understand
international agreements, and contribute to global discourse.Literacy can break the cycle
of poverty by offering marginalized populations better access to education and
employment opportunities. As people become literate, they are better equipped to secure
stable jobs, improve their quality of life, and contribute positively to their communities.
Digital tools can adapt content to the learning pace and preferences of individual learners,
enhancing comprehension and retention.Intelligent tutoring systems use data analytics to
identify areas where students struggle and offer targeted support.n this digital age,
information is easily accessible, but the ability to decipher and critically analyze this
information is vital. The digitalization of education has the potential to significantly boost
literacy rates by making learning more accessible, engaging, and tailored to individual
needs. Online platforms and digital libraries provide a vast array of educational content,
making learning materials available to a broader audience.Open educational resources
(OER) offer free or low-cost digital textbooks, videos, and interactive materials, reducing
barriers to access.Duolingo, a language learning app, employs adaptive algorithms to tailor
lessons and exercises to each user's proficiency level
Furthermore, World Literacy Day promotes lifelong learning. The day encourages
individuals of all ages to continue their education, whether through formal institutions,
community programs, or self-directed learning. Lifelong learning is a fundamental aim of
World Literacy Day because it recognizes that education is not limited to formal schooling
but extends throughout a person's life. It acknowledges that education is not limited to a
specific age group or formal institution. This aligns with the spirit of World Literacy Day,
which seeks to provide equal educational opportunities for everyone.The Government of
India launched the "Saakshar Bharat" program, focusing on adult education and literacy.
Specialized literacy centers were established for elderly individuals, providing them with
tailored curriculum and learning materials to acquire basic literacy skills.
The importance of World Literacy Day in transforming society cannot be overstated, in my
opinion. It serves as a platform to advocate for equal access to education, raise public
awareness of the value of literacy, and spearhead initiatives to end illiteracy. This day
paves the way for a more just, educated, and prosperous society by empowering people to
read, write, and think critically.