Background
“In 1966, UNESCO proclaimed 8th September International Literacy Day to remind the international community of the importance of literacy for individuals, communities and societies, and the need for intensified efforts towards more literate societies.” – United Nations
A new definition of Literacy?
“Beyond its conventional concept as a set of reading, writing and counting skills, literacy is now understood as a means of identification, understanding, interpretation, creation, and communication in an increasingly digital, text-mediated, information-rich and fast-changing world.” – UNESCO
Further benefits of Literacy?
“… [A]cquiring and improving literacy skills throughout life [i]s an intrinsic part of the right to education. The “multiplier effect” of literacy empowers people, enables them to participate fully in society and contributes to improve livelihoods.
Literacy is also a driver for sustainable development in that it enables greater participation in the labour market; improved child and family health and nutrition; reduces poverty and expands life opportunities.” – UNESCO
Did you know?
Below are a selection of statistics that gives a view of the state of international literacy:
- 773 million adults and young people lack basic literacy skills;
- 617 million children and adolescents are not achieving minimum proficiency levels in reading and mathematics;
- During the initial phase of the pandemic, schools were closed disrupting the education of 62.3 per cent of the world’s student population of 1.09 billion and;
- Adult literacy and education were absent in initial education response plans, therefore many youth and adults with no or low literacy skills have had limited access to life-saving information.
Things to consider?
What is the level of literacy in your community? (consider people with and without disabilities)
Are you concerned?
Should you be concerned?
Maybe its time to organise a self help literacy project if you are concerned about this issue and achieving the Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education): Target 4.6.