International Literacy Day
Date: 8 September
Celebrate International Literacy Day and show the world your commitment to literacy.
International Literacy Day, observed September 8 and at events throughout the week, focuses attention on worldwide literacy issues and needs. It is estimated that 875 million of the world’s adults do not know how to read or write (nearly two-thirds of whom are women) and that more than 110 million children lack access to education. Progress is being made, but slowly, and the advent of new technologies means that the gap between rich and poor countries is growing wider.
Since 1979, the International Reading Association has recognized outstanding literacy programs throughout the world through the annual International Reading Association Literacy Award, presented on International Literacy Day. The US$15,000 award has benefited programs in nations representing every region of the world, including many of the most economically and educationally disadvantaged. The winner of the 2002 International Reading Association Literacy Award is the Adult Education Division of the Eritrean Ministry of Education. An honorable mention has been awarded to Canada’s National Adult Literacy Database Inc. Details of these programs are given in IRA’s July 10, 2002, press release.
The Association also cosponsors an annual celebration of International Literacy Day, which follows a symposium format and includes representatives from many groups working in partnership with the Association on international literacy projects.
Because International Literacy Day coincides with the beginning of a new school year in many countries, classroom teachers use this special day to recognize the importance of literacy in the lives of children and adults. A growing number of International Reading Association Honor Councils involve their members and communities in International Literacy Day activities at the state and provincial level, and many national affiliates celebrate the day by presenting an award or organizing a special event.
