The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) annually observes International Literacy Day (ILD) on September 8 to remind the world of the significance of literacy for individuals and communities. This global observance emphasizes the transformative power of literacy in fostering peace, understanding, and equality.
Theme for 2024:
“Promoting Multilingual Education: Literacy for Mutual Understanding and Peace”
- The theme of September 8 focuses on using multilingual education, which highlights literacy in first languages to foster mutual understanding, social harmony, and economic benefits globally.
Objectives of International Literacy Day 2024
- Raising Awareness:
- Literacy is fundamental to human dignity and a basic human right. On September 8, UNESCO seeks to highlight the ongoing global literacy challenges and achievements.
- Advancing the Literacy Agenda:
- The 2024 agenda aims to create a more literate and sustainable society, ensuring literacy programs reach all demographics, especially marginalized communities.
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- Addressing Challenges:
- ILD 2024 aims to spotlight the barriers many still face in acquiring literacy skills, focusing on enhancing literacy programs globally.
The Significance of Literacy on September 8
- Human Right and Global Citizenship:
Literacy fosters respect for equality and promotes non-discrimination. UNESCO celebrates September 8 to highlight literacy’s role in shaping active and empowered citizens. - Multilingual Literacy for Peace:
This year’s celebration emphasizes the importance of literacy for mutual understanding and peace, particularly in multilingual societies, aligning with September 8’s goal of inclusivity. - Solutions for Lifelong Learning:
The day will explore solutions for enhancing education systems, lifelong learning policies, and literacy practices, supporting September 8 as a cornerstone for future development.
The Background of International Literacy Day
- The concept of International Literacy Day was first proposed in 1965 during the “World Congress of Ministers of Education on the Eradication of Illiteracy.” The Congress concluded with September 8 chosen as the global date for observing literacy advancements.
- The General Conference of UNESCO proclaimed September 8 as International Literacy Day in 1966, and it was celebrated for the first time in 1967.
Global Literacy Trends and Facts for 2024
- Global Literacy Progress:
- In the last 50 years, youth literacy rates have improved, with illiteracy among young people dropping from a quarter to less than 8% as of 2021.
- Regional Disparities:
- Despite advancements, September 8 highlights the reality that 754 million adults still lack basic literacy skills, and 63% of these individuals are women.
- Youth Literacy Rates:
- From 2015 to 2023, global primary education completion rose from 85% to 88%, but challenges remain, particularly in low-income regions. September 8 reinforces the importance of addressing these gaps.
Celebrating International Literacy Day on September 8, 2024
The ILD 2024 global celebration will take place from September 9–10 in Yaoundé, Cameroon, with UNESCO hosting a global conference on the September 8 theme: “Promoting Multilingual Education: Literacy for Mutual Understanding and Peace.”
Key highlights include:
- UNESCO International Literacy Prizes: An award ceremony recognizing outstanding literacy programs globally.
- Global Conference: Leaders and educators will explore the theme of multilingual literacy in fostering peace.
UNESCO International Literacy Prizes 2024
The prestigious UNESCO International Literacy Prizes (ILP), presented annually on September 8, recognize excellence in promoting literacy.
King Sejong Literacy Prize:
- Focuses on mother language-based literacy.
- 2024 Recipients:
- voXmi educational network (Austria)
- Libraries Without Walls (Ghana)
- ProEd LECTO LABS (Panama)
Confucius Prize for Literacy:
- Highlights literacy programs using digital tools for adults and rural youth.
- 2024 Recipients:
- Illiteracy Eradication Project (Egypt)
- Sokola Literacy Education for Indigenous Indonesians (Indonesia)
- FastTrack (Nigeria)
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Events in India: “Spectrum of Literacy” Conference (September 7)
- On September 7, 2024, India hosted an international virtual conference titled “Spectrum of Literacy”, chaired by Sanjay Kumar of the Ministry of Education (MoE).
- The event discussed various literacy programs, including the New India Literacy Program (NILP), aligned with the National Education Policy 2020.
Main Event on September 8, 2024
India’s Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar will preside over the national celebration at Vigyan Bhawan. A special focus will be placed on the ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram, with the goal of achieving total literacy by 2030.
Key highlights of the celebration:
- Film Launch: A documentary on the success stories of India’s literacy initiatives.
- DTH Channel Launch: A new channel to expand literacy programs in multiple languages.
Conclusion
International Literacy Day 2024 on September 8 offers the world an opportunity to come together in support of global literacy initiatives. By focusing on multilingual education and lifelong learning, ILD reinforces the power of literacy to foster peace, mutual understanding, and equality worldwide.
FAQs
What is the theme of International Literacy Day 2024?
The theme of International Literacy Day 2024 is “Promoting literacy for a sustainable world.”
What is the purpose of International Literacy Day?
The purpose of International Literacy Day is to raise awareness about the importance of literacy as a matter of dignity and human rights, and to advance the global literacy agenda towards a more literate and sustainable society.
What is the theme of World Literacy Day?
World Literacy Day, also known as International Literacy Day, typically shares the same theme, focusing on literacy’s role in creating sustainable development and improving quality of life. In 2024, the theme is “Promoting literacy for a sustainable world.”
Who declared World Literacy Day?
World Literacy Day was declared by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1966.
When was the first Literacy Day celebrated in India?
The first International Literacy Day was celebrated in India on September 8, 1967, following UNESCO’s proclamation in 1966.
What is National Literacy Day?
National Literacy Day refers to a day dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of literacy within a specific country. In India, National Literacy Day aligns with International Literacy Day on September 8.
What is the slogan of International Literacy Day?
While there is no fixed slogan every year, slogans such as “Literacy for all” or “Each one, teach one” are commonly associated with literacy awareness efforts.
How to define literacy?
Literacy is the ability to read, write, and comprehend written language at a level sufficient to communicate and function effectively in society. It also includes numeracy and digital literacy in modern definitions.
How to celebrate Literacy Day?
International Literacy Day can be celebrated by organizing literacy drives, reading sessions, book donation campaigns, and discussions on the importance of education and literacy. Schools, governments, and organizations often hold events and workshops to promote literacy.
What is the importance of 8 September?
September 8 is significant as it marks International Literacy Day, a day set by UNESCO to promote global literacy and to address the challenges millions of people face in acquiring basic literacy skills.
What is Literacy Day speech?
A Literacy Day speech typically addresses the importance of literacy, the global challenges related to illiteracy, and the progress made in enhancing education. It often emphasizes the theme of the year and calls for collective action to support literacy efforts.
What is the theme of the International Year of 2024?
The theme of the International Year of 2024, according to the United Nations, is “Family Farming” with a focus on food security and sustainability.
Who is the founder of International Literacy Day?
International Literacy Day was initiated by UNESCO, under the leadership of its member states, to highlight the importance of literacy worldwide.
What is the story of International Literacy Day?
International Literacy Day was first declared in 1966 by UNESCO to combat illiteracy worldwide and raise awareness about the crucial role literacy plays in achieving human rights, dignity, and sustainable development.
What is the meaning of World Literacy?
World Literacy refers to the global effort to ensure that all individuals have access to education and literacy skills, enabling them to read, write, and communicate effectively, which is essential for personal and societal development.