International Literacy Day is marked annually on September 8 to bring attention to and concern about literacy difficulties that occur both locally and globally. International Literacy Day was created in 1966 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) “to remind the public of the importance of literacy as an issue of dignity and human rights.”
According to UNESCO, there are still 771 million illiterate individuals in the globe, with women having the most difficulty with fundamental writing and reading skills.
The COVID-19 dilemma has had a significant negative impact on pupils' ability to learn. There are efforts being made to identify other means of ensuring learning continuity even in the face of global unrest. This has strengthened the appeal of online and distance learning programmes, which are used by a large number of students.
Meaning Of International Literacy Day 2022
Let's raise awareness of what literacy means to people, communities, and society on this International Literacy Day, which is commemorated on September 8. Students mark this day in order to raise awareness and concern about global literacy issues that affect everyone.
What's International Literacy Day?
Every year on September 8, people throughout the world celebrate International Literacy Day (ILD) to raise awareness of the importance of literacy for both individuals and societies. If we were to define literacy, it would be the capacity to write, read, and speak in a way that enables us to interact with people from all over the world in an efficient and clear manner.
What Is The Definition Of Literacy?
The definition of literacy in the Miriam Webster Dictionary is “the quality or condition of being educated…able to write and read.” Literacy is a key tool for eradicating poverty, lowering child mortality rates, slowing population increase, and achieving gender equality. On September 8th, people around the world commemorate International Literacy Day to encourage them to continue their education, to spread awareness, and to remind them of the value of literacy. People are also reminded of their rights to personal and social growth on this day.
When it comes to promoting both International Literacy Day and worldwide literacy, UNESCO has consistently been at the top of the list.
What Is The Literacy Rate?
The World Health Organization's definition of literacy, which is the one that is most widely used, is as follows:
“The percentage of adults (15 and older) in the country, territory, or geographic area who are educated, expressed as a percentage of the population, or of a particular sex at a particular time, usually in the middle of the year.”
The percentage of adults over the age of 15 who are literate is known as the literacy rate. Consider the example of India. Kerala, which is located in India's southernmost area, has the highest literacy rates nationwide. According to a research done in 2021, Kerala has a 96.2 percent literacy rate. Bihar, with a literacy rate of just 61.8 percent, is the state with the lowest literacy rate in India. Additionally, it is lower than the 74.04 percent national average.
Literacy Figures In India
Less than 84 percent of the world's population is educated or literate, according to India's current literacy rate. At the same time, India's overall literacy rate, which was 74.4 percent in the 2011 census, is predicted to rise sharply. In this nation, male literacy rates are 82.37% while female literacy rates are 65.79%. However, initiatives are being made to narrow this difference. Bihar has the fewest educated citizens, whereas Kerala has the highest. However, if we consider Uttar Pradesh, the largest state, it is also one of the worst five nations.
The History Of International Literacy Day
The 8th of September was declared International Literacy Day by UNESCO on October 26, 1966, in an effort to end all global illiteracy problems. The objective was to use literacy to empower people and the community as a whole, not merely to combat it. You may be wondering how the idea of International Literacy Day came about during the World Conference of Ministers of Education for the eradication of Illiteracy that was held in Tehran in 1965 after all the deliberations and discussions. In addition to the debates that were taking place, the day was included in 2015's sustainable development targets. The main focus of the sustainable development plan was literacy.
International Literacy Day 2022 Theme
“Transforming Literacy Learning Spaces” is the focus of this year's International Literacy Day. People will be able to relate to and understand the idea of literacy through this theme.
Why is International Literacy Day Celebrated?
To promote literacy and raise awareness of people's rights to personal and social development, International Literacy Day is observed. In order to decrease poverty, lower infant mortality, control population growth, and promote gender equality, literacy is a crucial tool. The purpose of the day is to encourage people to continue their studies. The list of organisations promoting global literacy features UNESCO at the top. Additionally, it has helped to promote International Literacy Day.
The commemoration of Literacy Day is crucial for enhancing the educational system, helping those in greatest need, and raising public awareness of the segment of society lacking in fundamental education and skills. It is beneficial to take a few steps, such as the following:
Development of national literacy policies and methods.
Meeting the educational requirements of the most underrepresented groups, such as women and girls.
Digital technology expands and improves learning.
Tracking development and rating literacy programmes and skills.
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international literacy day, national literacy day 2022 theme, history of international literacy day
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