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Get ready to celebrate World Literacy Day on September 8! This day has been celebrated since 1965 and is a great opportunity to take action against the global literacy crisis. By understanding the power of literacy and reading, we can help create a more equitable future for all. Not only does literacy give us access to knowledge and information, but it also helps us develop critical thinking skills and build strong communities. So join in on this special day by picking up a book or donating to your local library!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1965</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Establishment of World Literacy Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) established September 8 as International Literacy Day, highlighting the importance of literacy worldwide.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1970s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Rapid Expansion of Education</div><div class='timeline-text'>Across the globe, the drive for universal primary education increased during this decade, tying in with the wider efforts to promote literacy.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1990</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>World Declaration on Education</div><div class='timeline-text'>World Education Forum in Jomtien, Thailand emphasized lifelong learning, leading to greater focus on adult literacy and continuing education.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2000</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) Declared</div><div class='timeline-text'>UN’s established MDGs which included the goal of achieving universal primary education, thus affirming global commitment to literacy.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2015</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Sustainable Development Goals Announced</div><div class='timeline-text'>UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) included quality education as a key focus, amplifying the efforts to promote literacy around the world.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>Present</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Continued Advocacy for Global Literacy</div><div class='timeline-text'>The world continues to celebrate World Literacy Day every year, advocating for increased access to education and literacy programs worldwide.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Read a book</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Pick up a book and read it. This can be something you've been wanting to read for a while or something new. Reading is one of the best ways to improve your literacy.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Donate books</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Look for local libraries, schools, or charities to donate books to. Donating books is a great way to spread literacy and help those who may not have access to books.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Write a story</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Writing your own story is a great way to express yourself and practice literacy. It doesn't have to be long or complicated, just write about something that you enjoy.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Volunteer at a library</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Volunteering at a local library is another great way to celebrate World Literacy Day. You can help out with shelving books, reading to children, or even helping adults learn how to read.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a book club</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Organize a book club with friends or family members, either in person or online. This is a great way to discuss books and practice literacy with other people.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It increases social and economic opportunities</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Literacy is an important part of personal, social and economic development. It allows people to gain knowledge, access resources, make informed decisions and take part in productive activities that have the potential to lift them out of poverty and improve their wellbeing.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It helps build confidence</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Having the ability to read and write empowers individuals by giving them the tools they need to become self-sufficient. When individuals feel confident in their abilities, it can lead to greater levels of participation in the classroom, workplace and society overall.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It encourages global understanding</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Access to literacy skills helps break down barriers between cultures and nations. By learning about other societies through reading and writing, we can begin to understand each other on a deeper level, foster compassion, develop empathy and bridge our differences.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Concept of Literacy Evolves with Society</h3><p class='facts-content'>Literacy no longer only refers to the ability to read and write, but also incorporates skills like numeracy, computing, and using digital technology efficiently as societies and technologies evolve.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Literacy Rates Have Increased Globally</h3><p class='facts-content'>According to UNESCO, global literacy rates have increased significantly in the last 50 years. In 1950, only 36% of the world's population could read and write. Today, the global adult literacy rate stands at 86%.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Literacy and Health are Closely Connected</h3><p class='facts-content'>Studies have shown that literacy has a direct impact on health. Adults who can read and write are more likely to understand health information, make informed health decisions, and access health services effectively.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Young People Are More Literate Than Adults</h3><p class='facts-content'>The youth literacy rate (ages 15-24) worldwide is 91%, distinctly higher than the adult literacy rate of 86%, indicating progress in literacy development.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Literacy Programs Adapt To Cultural Contexts</h3><p class='facts-content'>Effective literacy programs adapt to the cultural, linguistic, and sociopolitical contexts of learners. Context-based approaches facilitate learning and foster a sense of identity and belonging.</p></div></div>
World Literacy Day is celebrated on September 8th every year. In 2024 World Literacy Day will occur on a Sunday.
2023
Sep 8
Friday
2024
Sep 8
Sunday
2025
Sep 8
Monday
2026
Sep 8
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2027
Sep 8
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