By Vijay Garg
The crisis of COVID-19 has disturbed the learning of students on a big scale. Even in a time of global crisis, efforts are being made to find alternative ways to ensure the continuity of learning. This has increased the concept of online learning and distance learning modules which are now being chosen by a large number of students.
Significance of International Literacy Day 2022
On this International Literacy Day which is celebrated on 8 September, let’s spread awareness about the importance of literacy for individuals, communities, and societies. Students celebrate this day to raise awareness and concern for literacy problems that exist all across.
What is International Literacy Day?
International Literacy Day (ILD) is celebrated on 8 September every year all across the globe to make people aware of the meaning and importance of literacy for individuals and societies. If we define literacy, then it is the ability to read, write, speak and listen in such a way that it helps us to communicate effectively and make sense to the world.
What do you mean by Literacy?
Literacy is defined as the quality or state of being literate: educated. One who can read and write.
History of International Literacy Day
It was on 26 October 1966 when UNESCO declared 8 September as International Literacy Day to remove worldwide issues of illiteracy. The main purpose was not only to combat illiteracy but also to use it as a tool to empower individuals as well as the whole community. With all these talks, you all must be wondering how the idea of International Literacy Day was born at the World Conference of Ministers of Education on the eradication of Illiteracy held in Tehran in 1965. Along with all this going on, this day was accepted as a part of the UN’s sustainable development goals program in the year 2015. The issue of literacy was the main component of the UN’s sustainable development program.
The theme of International Literacy Day
The main theme for this year’s International Literacy Day will be ‘Transforming Literacy Learning Spaces’. Through this theme, people will be able to relate to and understand the concept of literacy.
Why is International Literacy Day celebrated?
International Literacy day is celebrated to promote literacy and let people know their rights for social and human development. Literacy is an essential tool to eliminate poverty, lowering child mortality, population control, and attain gender equality. This day is celebrated to encourage people towards getting continuous education. UNESCO has been on the top of the list while promoting overall global literacy and has also helped in promoting International Literacy Day.
International Literacy Day Activities for Students
Here are some of the interesting activities that students can indulge themselves in to keep themselves busy on this international literacy day:
Donate books to classrooms
Gift a book to yourself and your friends
Start a community lending library
Schedule a video conferencing session with an author.
How Literacy can help?
Helping someone to read and write effectively helps in communication and improves the future of everyone in society. Literacy is crucial for economic development as well as individual and community well-being.
Vijay GarG Retired Principal Educational Columnist Malout Punjab
