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The International Literacy Day was decided by the UNESCO at 7th of November in the year 1965 to celebrate it at 8th of September every year which was celebrated first time in the year 1966. It was started celebrating all over the world to emphasize the great importance of the literacy to the individuals, society and communities.
The day is celebrated specially to rememorize the status of the literacy and adult education to the international community.
International Literacy Day 2024
The International Literacy Day was observed on Sunday, 8th September 2024. The theme for this year’s celebration was “Literacy and Multilingualism.”
This year’s celebrations discussed the main attributes of multilingualism in the context of today’s globalized and digitalized world.
A category 4 – International Congress was held at UNESCO’s (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) Head Offices at France and Paris on Monday, 9th September.
UNESCO had called for the International Community to attend the “Literacy and Multilingualism” conference to discuss the role of multilingualism in promoting and sustaining literacy, in today’s shrinking linguistic and cultural differences.
A discussion was made on the formulation of policies for making literacy and multilingualism more effective.
In India, International Literacy Day is celebrated by reaching out to deprived sections of society, mainly the children and making them aware of the advantages of literacy.
Children belonging to the lower strata of society, made posters and banners based on the theme of the celebration. Events were organized by Non Government Organizations (NGOs) and local governments.
International Literacy Day Celebration
According to the global monitoring report over education it is noted that one among the five man and two third women is illiterate. Some of them have minimum literacy skills, some children are still out of school and some are irregularly attending the school. South and West Asia is noted to have the lowest adult literacy rate of about 58.6%. The countries with the lowest literacy rate are Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger.
The day is celebrated having special themes, programs and goals of education all over the world. The theme of year 2007 and 2008 celebration was the Literacy and Health (strong attention over the epidemics to prevent people from the communicable diseases like HIV, Tuberculosis, cholera and Malaria). The theme of the year 2009 and 2010 was the Literacy and Empowerment of women whereas the theme of 2011 and 2012 celebration was the Literacy and Peace.
The importance of celebrating the day is to promote the public consciousness about extraordinary value of written word and requirement to encourage the literate rate of the society. Some of the writers writing to support literacy improvement are Margaret Atwood, Paulo Coelho, Philippe Delerm, Paul Auster, Philippe Claudel, Fatou Diome and many more.
Some of the companies, charity organizations, Global Development Research Center, Rotary International, Montblanc and the National Institute for Literacy are also involved in supporting the social literacy. Literacy shapes the life of human beings as well as builds up their cultural identity.
Why International Literacy Day is celebrated
Celebrating the International Literacy Day is to promote the human attention towards the literacy and know their rights for social and human development. Literacy is as important as food to be alive and success. It is too necessary to eradicate the poverty, lowering the child mortality, controlling the population growth, attaining the gender equality and etc.
Literacy has the ability to raise the family status and hence the country status. It is celebrated to encourage the people towards getting continuous education and understand their responsibilities for the family, society and the country.
International Literacy Day Themes
International Literacy Day celebration takes place on a specific theme of the year in order to make it effective by executing some strategic plan to resolve the problems related to the illiteracy all over the world in many countries. Some of the year wise themes of the International Literacy Day are mentioned below:
-> Theme for 2006 was “Literacy sustains development” to focus on achieving social progress.
-> Theme for 2007 and 2008 was “Literacy and Health” to focus on literacy and epidemics (communicable diseases like HIV, Tuberculosis, Malaria, etc).
-> Theme for 2009-2010 was “Literacy and Empowerment” to focus on gender equality and empowering women.
-> Theme for 2011-2012 was “Literacy and Peace” to focus on importance of literacy for peace.
-> The theme for 2013 was “Literacies for the 21st Century” to promote global literacy.
-> Theme for 2014 was “Literacy and Sustainable Development” to promote sustainable development in the areas of social development, economic growth, and environmental integration.
-> Theme for 2015 was “Literacy and Sustainable Societies”.
-> The theme of 2016 was “Reading the Past, Writing the Future”.
-> The theme of 2017 was “Literacy in a digital world”.
-> Theme for the international literacy day of 2018 was “Literacy and skills development”.
-> Theme for the international literacy day 2024 is “Literacy and Multilingualism”.
International Literacy Day Quotes
- “Literacy is the bridge from misery to hope.” – Kofi Annan
- “A book is a dream that you hold in your hands.” – Neil Gaiman
- “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela
- “Literacy is a human right, a tool of personal empowerment and a means for social and human development.” – UNESCO
- “Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.” – Frederick Douglass
- “Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.” – Joseph Addison
- “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” – Dr. Seuss
- “A child who reads will be an adult who thinks.” – Unknown
- “Literacy is the foundation of all learning.” – Unknown
- “Reading gives us someplace to go when we have to stay where we are.” – Mason Cooley
- “The ability to read is a gift that keeps on giving.” – Unknown
- “A literate world is a safer, healthier, and more peaceful world.” – Irina Bokova
- “There is no friend as loyal as a book.” – Ernest Hemingway
- “Literacy is a bridge to progress.” – Kofi Annan
- “A good book is an event in my life.” – Stendhal
- “Reading is essential for those who seek to rise above the ordinary.” – Jim Rohn
- “Literacy is the pathway from poverty to empowerment.” – Ban Ki-moon
- “Books are a uniquely portable magic.” – Stephen King
- “Learning to read is like learning to light a fire; every syllable that is spelled out is a spark.” – Victor Hugo
- “Literacy is the foundation of democracy.” – Unknown
- “Reading is the gateway skill that makes all other learning possible.” – Barack Obama
- “Books are the quietest and most constant of friends.” – Charles W. Eliot
- “The more you read, the more you know. The more you learn, the more you grow.” – Unknown
- “A room without books is like a body without a soul.” – Cicero
- “Literacy is not just about reading and writing; it’s about respecting each individual’s right to an education.” – Unknown
- “Reading is a discount ticket to everywhere.” – Mary Schmich
- “The journey of a lifetime starts with the turning of a page.” – Rachel Anders
- “Literacy unlocks the door to learning.” – Unknown
- “Books train your imagination to think big.” – Taylor Swift
- “Reading brings us unknown friends.” – Honoré de Balzac
- “Literacy is the vehicle that moves societies forward.” – Unknown
- “A book is a gift you can open again and again.” – Garrison Keillor
- “Literacy is the key to unlocking the world.” – Oprah Winfrey
- “Reading is a way for me to expand my mind, open my eyes, and fill up my heart.” – Oprah Winfrey
- “Literacy is the lifeblood of freedom.” – Unknown
- “To learn to read is to light a fire; every syllable that is spelled out is a spark.” – Victor Hugo
- “Books are mirrors: you only see in them what you already have inside you.” – Carlos Ruiz Zafón
- “A book is like a garden, carried in the pocket.” – Chinese Proverb
- “Literacy empowers individuals, families, and societies.” – Unknown
- “The greatest gift is a passion for reading.” – Elizabeth Hardwick
- “Books give a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything.” – Plato
- “Reading is a basic tool in the living of a good life.” – Mortimer J. Adler
- “Literacy is the key to a brighter future.” – Unknown
- “Books are the bees which carry the quickening pollen from one to another mind.” – James Russell Lowell
- “Literacy is the foundation of all education.” – Unknown
- “A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The man who never reads lives only one.” – George R.R. Martin
- “The things I want to know are in books; my best friend is the man who’ll get me a book I ain’t read.” – Abraham Lincoln
- “Literacy is the road to human progress and the means through which every man, woman, and child can realize his or her full potential.” – Kofi Annan
- “Books are a uniquely portable magic.” – Stephen King
- “Reading is the gateway to a world of knowledge and imagination.” – Unknown
Speech on International Literacy Day
Good morning everyone,
Today, we gather to celebrate International Literacy Day, a day dedicated to the importance of literacy in our lives. Literacy is not just about being able to read and write; it is about empowering individuals and communities. It opens doors to knowledge, opportunity, and understanding, helping us to connect with the world around us.
In many parts of the world, being able to read and write is something we might take for granted. But for millions of people, literacy is a challenge. Imagine not being able to read a book, write a letter, or even understand a simple sign. Literacy is a basic human right, and it is essential for personal and social development.
Literacy helps us make informed decisions, improves our health, and allows us to participate fully in society. It is the foundation of education, which in turn leads to economic growth and poverty reduction. When people are literate, they can better support their families, contribute to their communities, and build better futures for themselves and their children.
However, despite the progress made over the years, there are still many barriers to achieving universal literacy. Poverty, discrimination, and lack of access to quality education are just a few of the challenges that millions of people face every day. On this International Literacy Day, it is important for us to recognize these challenges and work together to overcome them.
We all have a role to play in promoting literacy. Whether it’s through supporting educational programs, volunteering to teach someone to read, or simply encouraging a love of reading in our own homes, every effort counts.
Let us also remember that literacy is not just about reading and writing, but about understanding and communicating. In our digital age, literacy includes digital literacy—knowing how to use technology to access information, solve problems, and communicate effectively.
On this International Literacy Day, let us renew our commitment to ensuring that everyone, no matter where they live or what their circumstances, has the opportunity to become literate. Let us work together to create a world where everyone can enjoy the benefits of literacy—a world where everyone has the chance to learn, grow, and thrive.
Thank you.
International Literacy Day FAQs
What is the purpose of International Literacy Day?
Its purpose is to raise awareness about the importance of literacy for everyone.
How to celebrate World Literacy Day?
You can celebrate by reading, participating in literacy events, or helping others learn to read.
What is the thought behind International Literacy Day?
The day emphasizes the power of literacy to improve lives and communities.
What is the theme of Literacy Day 2024?
The theme focuses on 'Promoting Digital Literacy for a Better Future.'
How do you celebrate International Literacy Day?
Celebrate by engaging in reading activities or supporting literacy programs.
How to celebrate literacy?
Celebrate by reading books, sharing stories, or teaching someone to read.
What is the aim of Literacy Day?
The aim is to promote literacy as a fundamental human right.
What is the slogan of International Literacy Day?
The slogan is 'Literacy for All.'
What is the theme of Literacy Day in 2024?
The 2024 theme is 'Promoting Digital Literacy for a Better Future.'
What is the theme of World Literacy Day?
The theme for World Literacy Day 2024 is 'Promoting Digital Literacy.'
How to celebrate Literacy Day?
You can celebrate by reading, volunteering, or donating books to those in need.
When was International Literacy Day first observed?
It was first observed on September 8, 1967.
What is the observation of International Literacy Day?
The day is observed by promoting literacy and awareness about its importance.
Which of the following days is observed as World Literacy Day?
World Literacy Day is observed on September 8.
