|
GDRC endorses the
Sustainable Development
Goal #4
|
International Literacy Day, observed September 8 and at events throughout the week, focuses attention on worldwide literacy issues and needs. It is estimated that 860 million of the world�s adults do not know how to read or write (nearly two-thirds of whom are women) and that more than 100 million children lack access to education.
The day was originally designated in 1965 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). Today, communities and countries throughout the world observe International Literacy Day in a variety of ways.
|
2026
In
2026
International Literacy Day focuses on the theme:
"Promoting multilingual education:
Literacy for mutual understanding and peace" |
This theme highlights the importance of literacy in a person's first language and a multilingual approach to education to support cognitive growth, social cohesion, and peace.
Key Aspects of the 2026 Theme:
- Focus on Multilingualism: Emphasizes literacy in one's native language to improve learning experiences and foster respect for diverse cultures.
- Peace and Understanding: Aims to use education to build a more harmonious and informed society.
- Context: While some initial projections for 2026 mentioned recovery, the primary, widely-reported focus for the 2026 celebration revolves around multilingual education and its role in sustainable, peaceful societies.
The theme is officially recognized by UNESCO, marking the continued effort to improve global literacy rates, which, despite rising to over 86%, still leave over 750 million adults lacking basic skills, with a significant gender gap.
 |
Achieve universal primary education: Ensure that all boys and girls complete a full course of primary schooling
- United Nations Millennium Development Goals
http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/
|
 |
Things to do on the World Literacy Day:
- Use your newsletter to spread the word about the importance of literacy.
- Sponsor a book fair, using the proceeds to enhance your program�s outreach to learners.
- Give a book as a gift. Include a note about the importance of literacy in adult life.
- Establish a book discussion group with adult learners.
- Form a reading promotion partnership with a nearby public library or another basic skills/literacy program.
- Learn about and support local literacy projects of other programs in your area.
- Sponsor book awards.
- Organize an essay contest about "a book that changed my life."
- Compile a calendar of community book and reading events. Share it with local media.
- Sponsor a book-collecting drive. Give books to nursing homes, schools, adult literacy programs.
- Create a library for adult literacy students to use.
- Make a video that promotes literacy in families, at work, and in community life.
- Contact your local newspaper with a story idea about your program. Provide enough detail that they are eager to write about you.
- Sponsor book readings with local authors or local celebrities reading from their favorite books.
- Attend readings at your local library or bookstore.
- Publicize and distribute lists of recommended books for readers of all ages.
- Take a field trip to a local literary landmark.
- Make a collection of student writings. Get your local newspaper to review it.
- Bring teachers, volunteers, and learners together to talk about favorite books.
- Read books aloud with adult learners.
Additional Resources:
 |
In a very broad sense, the very nature of GDRC's work is closely related to the theme of literacy - cutting across every and all of its 15 programme activities. This approach is crystallized in GDRC's pages on (a) the UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (2005-2015) and in (b) its capacity building policy.
GDRC therefore reaffirms its committment to uphold the objectives of the World Literacy Day, and work towards better understanding of, and action on, promoting and enhancing education and literacy, particularly in developing countries.
|
|
|
|
