International Literacy Day: History, Theme, Importance

International Literacy Day is annually observed on 8th September. Established in 1967, this day aims to remind individuals, governments, and organisations of the importance of creating a more literate, peaceful, and sustainable society. Mark Twain once said ‘A man who does not read has no advantage over the man who cannot read.’ The ability to read and write is the most common definition of literacy. It is an essential tool in converting students into socially active citizens. Being able to read and write means being able to keep up with current events, communicate effectively, and comprehend the issues that shape our world. In this blog, you will read more about International Literacy Day, its history, theme 2024, and other details.

Name of the day	International Literacy Day
Observed on	8 September
Reason	To promote and encourage the importance of literacy in ensuring global peace.
Theme 2024	Promoting multilingual education: Literacy for mutual understanding and peace

Did you know: The Indian State of Kerala is currently the most literate state in the country, with a literacy rate of 96.2%. In Kerala, the female literacy rate is 95.2%, while the male literacy rate is 97.4%. With an overall literacy rate of 88.7%, Delhi stood second after Kerala.

History of International Literacy Day

• The historical roots of International Literacy Day date back to the World Conference of Ministers of Education on the Eradication of Illiteracy.
• This conference happened in Tehran, Iran, in 1965.
• Fast forward to 1966, UNESCO officially designated September 8 as International Literacy Day during its 14th General Conference.
• One year later, on September 8, 1967, the world celebrated the first-ever International Literacy Day.
• The day targets elevating focus and reminding human beings of the significance of literacy as a reminder of dignity and human rights.
• Furthermore, the literacy problem is a primary element of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and the UN’s Agenda for Sustainable Development for 2030.

“I feel free and strong. If I were not a reader of books I could not feel this way. Whatever may happen to me, thank God that I can read, that I have truly touched the minds of other men.”

Walter Tevis, Mockingbird

Timeline of the International Literacy Day 

The timeline of International Literacy Day has been explained below: 

• 1965: The Ignition of the Idea of International Literacy Day 

The International Literacy idea was discussed at the World Conference of Ministers of Education on eradicating illiteracy in Tehran, Iran, in the year 1965. 

• 1966: International Literacy Day Surfaced 

In 1966, UNESCO declared September 8 to be celebrated as International Literacy Day. The day aimed at reminding the international citizens of the significance of literacy for individuals, groups, and societies, and the want for intensified efforts closer to greater literate societies.

• 1967: First Year of International Literacy Day 

Schools, government parties, and various communities/groups from around the world participated in the activities curated to focus on practical ways to end illiteracy at the local level. 

• 1990: Critical Year for International Literacy Day

This year, the role and importance of international literacy were highlighted at the World Conference on Education for All in Jomtien, Thailand. 

• 2015: Declaration of International Literacy Day at Incheon 

In the year 2015, the global leaders adopted the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals at the World Education Forum, held in Incheon, Republic of Korea. 

• 2017: Literacy in a Digital World 

The day began its focus on the literacy skills necessary to guide digital-mediated societies in a digitally-driven world. 

Also Read: World Computer Literacy Day

International Literacy Day 2024 Theme

The official theme of International Literacy Day in 2024 is, “Promoting multilingual education: Literacy for mutual understanding and peace.” This theme highlights the importance of linguistic diversity as a factor in promoting mutual respect and global harmony. The theme in 2023 was, “Promoting literacy for a world in transition: Building the foundation for sustainable and peaceful societies.”

Did you know: Adult literacy and education were absent in initial educational response plans, therefore many people with no or low literacy skills have had limited access to life-saving information.

International Literacy Day Activities

Here are fun and interesting activities to celebrate International Literacy Day with your friends and family:

• Ask your friends and family to accompany you to organise a book donation drive and distribute your books to schools and libraries.
• Arrange tea parties and reading sessions with your friends where people take turns talking about their favourite novels.
• You can also attend workshops on reading and writing or arrange something similar for underprivileged children.
• You can also take your celebrations online by spreading the word about the importance of books in our lives.
• Another interesting International Literacy Day activity is using your old books to open a small library for underprivileged children.

Also Read: Top 20 Countries with Best Education System in the World

Why is International Literacy Day Celebrated?

This day is observed to draw people’s attention to literacy and to make them aware of their rights in order to promote social and human development. Literacy is vital for survival and prosperity in the same way that food is. It is an essential instrument for eradicating poverty, reducing child mortality, regulating population increase, achieving gender equality, and so on. Literacy, it is true, has the capacity to improve family status. As a result, this day is observed to urge individuals to continue their education and to recognise their responsibilities to their family, society, and nation.

Also Read: Essay on Reading Day

Did you know: Around 617 million people in the world are not achieving minimum proficiency levels in reading and mathematics.

Traditions of International Literacy Day

Below are the traditions which are followed on International Literacy Day: 

• Groups of people and organizations come forward to motivate and assist those who face difficulties in writing and reading. 
• Various organisations and individual bodies ask students and volunteers to help children in the community or society. 
• Books are sold generously and for free. 
• Some volunteers even sponsor the tuition fees of children. 
• Institutions and the government host fundraisers for the same cause. 
• The theme of International Literacy Day is promoted every year to build awareness.

Also Read: International Day of Neutrality

Did you know: Around 773 million youth and adults in the world either lack basic literacy skills or are illiterate!

Importance of International Literacy Day

After understanding the theme of this important event or day, why and how we can celebrate it, let’s now dig deep into the importance of International Literacy Day:

• Enhances Your Communication Skills 

It helps people to understand the importance of reading and writing, which thus increases the ability of people to communicate effectively. That amplifies the oral language and allows people to express their feelings, ideas, and thoughts more openly. 

• Improves Brain Health

As your body needs a daily workout to stay fit, your mind needs that too! So keeping reading, writing, and working with numbers improves brain health as we grow older. It also reduces the chance of developing Dementia or Alzheimer’s later in life.

• Social Engagement 

The lack of literacy skills reduces community participation for all age groups. It prevents children and adults from giving their best and contributing to the betterment of society. 

•  Advancement in Employment 

Writing, reading, and working are essential skills for jobs that advance the social-economic ladder. Literacy helps in destroying poverty, one life at a time. 

Did you know: During the foremost phase of the pandemic, educational institutes were closed, harming the education of around 62.3% of the world’s student population of 1.09 billion.

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