Chances are that if you’re reading this right now, you can read and write. But why is that such a big deal? Continue reading to learn more about the importance of this skill and how we can work together to achieve worldwide literacy.
What is International Literacy Day?
International Literacy Day is celebrated annually on September 8th to spread awareness about the importance of literacy. Literacy is the ability to read and write. While this may seem like a basic skill for me and you, many people around the world cannot read and write.
So, how did this day come to be and why do we celebrate it? UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) declared September 8 as International Literacy Day. Since then, International Literacy Day has been used as a day to spread awareness about the importance of literacy and fight back against illiteracy. UNESCO wants to especially send the message that literacy is an important part of basic human rights and dignity. Think about how much you wouldn’t be able to do without knowing how to read and write. They truly are important skills!
Why is Global Literacy Important?
Global literacy measures the percentage of people on Earth who can read and write. The global literacy rate is decently high, with about 86% of people 15 and older being literate. However, this still means that over 1 billion people worldwide cannot read or write. Literacy, usually gained through some form of formal education, is one of the biggest factors in employment rates. One of the biggest reasons for someone being unemployed is because they do not have the needed literacy skills. This means they cannot get a job to help support themselves and their family, creating a continuous cycle of poverty that is especially prevalent in third-world countries.
Achieving global literacy is a necessary step in solving many of our world’s issues. Poverty, wage gaps, and poor quality of life are all issues that could be improved upon if the world achieved global literacy, or at least came closer to that goal. With that being said, there are so many other reasons why global literacy can not only improve the lives of a large portion of our planet but also make the world better for everyone.
Reading and writing are important tools that were created by humans many many years ago to create and share knowledge over long periods of time. With about one-seventh of our world lacking these tools, think of how much knowledge and information we are missing out on! Additionally, reading and writing are essential for creating citizens that can actively participate in society. Those who are illiterate will understandably have a harder time voting, speaking to others in the community, and applying for jobs. Nearly every job requires the ability to read or write, probably both in most cases. Unemployment rates could be significantly reduced if literacy education was easier to access.
There is one important part of global literacy that I want to expand more upon. You guessed it. The global part. Even in first-world countries, not everyone is literate. However, the percentage of adults in first-world countries who cannot read or write to a basic standard is very low. The percentage of adults in third world countries who are illiterate, however? The percentage tends to be much much higher. This leads me to my next point…
Why Can’t Everyone Read and Write?
There are many reasons why someone is not able to read or write. The most common of those reasons is that they didn’t have good access to the education they needed. Sadly, not everyone is fortunate enough to go to school. There are countries where women still have a harder time getting to school. In countries devastated by wars, school is sometimes out of the question when families are struggling to get by. Those in third-world countries are less likely to have these necessary reading and writing skills that we take for granted. Without proper literacy skills, people may find it hard to secure employment and maintain a career. Then, of course, without money, families fall into poverty. The children of these families may have to start working early to provide for their families, which creates a cycle of illiteracy and poverty that is very hard to break.
How can we help?
After reading about the importance of literacy, you may be wondering: how can I help? The best way to help achieve global literacy is to spread awareness, just like this article does. The more people who know about this issue, the better. An issue as large as illiteracy cannot be solved by you alone. Instead, we must all come together to demand equal education rights for everyone.
You can help promote literacy in your community by spreading the love for words! Try reading to kids at your local library or tutoring English at your school. On a day like today (International Literacy Day), we can take the time to acknowledge and appreciate the impacts that being literate has had on our lives. Being literate allows you to enjoy your favourite books, write grocery lists, and even send texts to your friends.
Reading and writing are privileges that not everyone has. So, the next time you complain about having to do a reading assignment or write an essay, just remember how lucky you are to be able to do so.
Written by: Nevadha M