By Dr Than Lwin Tun

INTERNATIONAL Literacy Day, observed on 8 Septem­ber each year, stands as a global reminder of the trans­formative power of literacy es­tablished by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cul­tural Organization (UNESCO) in around 1966. This day is not only a celebration of the achievements in literacy worldwide but also a call to action for addressing ongo­ing challenges. The significance of International Literacy Day, its history, the progress made in global literacy, and the contin­ued efforts needed to overcome barriers to education. “Literacy is not just about educating; it is a unique and powerful tool to erad­icate poverty and a strong means for social and human progress.”

The Significance of Interna­tional Literacy Day

Since 1967, the annual cele­brations of International Literacy Day (ILD) have taken place on 8 September around the world to remind policy-makers, practition­ers, and the public of the critical importance of literacy for creat­ing a more literate, just, peaceful, and sustainable society.

Literacy is a fundamental human right for all. It opens the door to the enjoyment of other human rights, greater freedoms, and global citizenship. Literacy is a foundation for people to ac­quire broader knowledge, skills, values, attitudes, and behaviours to foster a culture of lasting peace based on respect for equality and non-discrimination, the rule of law, solidarity, justice, diversity, and tolerance, and to build har­monious relations with oneself, other people and the planet.

The inception of Interna­tional Literacy Day was a pivotal moment in the global recogni­tion of literacy as a fundamental human right. The international community is committed to pro­moting literacy as a key element of development and personal em­powerment. The 8 September was chosen to honour this com­mitment, marking a day dedicat­ed to raising awareness about the importance of literacy and mobilizing efforts to improve it worldwide.

Literacy, defined as the abil­ity to read and write, is a founda­tional skill that supports many aspects of individual and soci­etal development. It is not merely about reading books or writing essays; it is about empowering individuals to participate fully in society, make informed decisions, and contribute to their commu­nities. Literacy opens doors to opportunities, whether in edu­cation, employment, or personal growth and is essential for the functioning of democracies and economies.

Celebrations in 2024

This year, ILD will be cele­brated under the theme of “Pro­moting multilingual education: Literacy for mutual under­standing and peace”. There is a pressing need to harness the transformative potential of literacy for promoting mutual understanding, social cohesion, and peace. In today’s world, in which multilingualism is a com­mon practice for many, empow­ering people by adopting a first language-based, multilingual ap­proach to literacy development and education is particularly effective for its cognitive, peda­gogical, and socioeconomic ben­efits. Such an approach can help promote mutual understanding and respect while solidifying communal identities and collec­tive histories.

ILD 2024 will unpack issues related to literacy in multilingual contexts for achieving lasting peace and will explore possible solutions for enhancing policies, lifelong learning systems, gov­ernance, programs, and practic­es. ILD 2024 will be celebrated in-person and online at the glob­al, regional, national, and local levels.

Progress in Global Literacy

Since the establishment of International Literacy Day, sig­nificant strides have been made in improving literacy rates across the globe. According to UNESCO, the global literacy rate for adults aged 15 and above reached ap­proximately 87 per cent by 2023. This progress reflects decades of effort in expanding educational access, improving teaching meth­odologies, and fostering inclusive learning environments.

In particular, efforts to pro­mote literacy among marginal­ized groups, including women, children, and individuals in rural or conflict-affected areas, have yielded positive results. Initia­tives such as adult education programs, community literacy centres, and digital literacy cam­paigns have played a crucial role in enhancing access to learning opportunities. Additionally, the integration of technology into education has facilitated new methods of learning and provided resources to previously under­served populations.

Ongoing Challenges and the Need for Continued Efforts

Despite the progress achieved, numerous challenges remain in the quest to ensure uni­versal literacy. One of the most pressing issues is the disparity in literacy rates between differ­ent regions and demographic groups. Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, for instance, contin­ue to experience lower literacy rates compared to other parts of the world. Gender disparities are also prevalent, with women and girls in certain areas facing significant barriers to accessing education.

Other challenges include the impact of conflict and displace­ment, which disrupt education­al systems and hinder literacy efforts. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated existing inequalities, with school closures and economic hardships affecting millions of learners worldwide.

Addressing these challeng­es requires a multifaceted ap­proach. Governments, non-gov­ernmental organizations, and international agencies must collaborate to create inclusive and equitable educational sys­tems. That involves investing in teacher training, developing culturally relevant curricula, and leveraging technology to reach remote and underserved com­munities. Additionally, promoting literacy should be an integral part of broader development strate­gies, including efforts to allevi­ate poverty and improve health outcomes.

Conclusion

International Literacy Day serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of literacy in fostering individual empow­erment and societal progress. While significant achievements have been made in increasing literacy rates globally, ongoing challenges highlight the need for continued commitment and action. By addressing these chal­lenges and supporting inclusive education initiatives, the global community can work towards a future where literacy is a reality for all, concrete the way for a more informed, equitable, and prosperous world.

References

- https://www.unesco.org/en/ days/literacy

- https://www.twinkl.com.mm/ event/international-litera­cy-day-2024