8 September

Literacy is a human right, a tool of personal empowerment and a means for social and human development. Educational opportunities depend on literacy.

Literacy is at the heart of basic education for all, and essential for eradicating poverty, reducing child mortality, curbing population growth, achieving gender equality and ensuring sustainable development, peace and democracy. There are good reasons why literacy is at the core of Education for All (EFA).

A good quality basic education equips pupils with literacy skills for life and further learning; literate parents are more likely to send their children to school; literate people are better able to access continuing educational opportunities; and literate societies are better geared to meet pressing development.

 

Theme 2014:  “Literacy and Sustainable Development”

Literacy is a key lever of change and a practical tool of empowerment on each of the three main pillars of sustainable development: economic development, social development and environmental protection.

Former UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan

Literacy is one of the key elements needed to promote sustainable development, as it empowers people so that they can make the right decisions in the areas of economic growth, social development and environmental integration. Literacy is a basis for lifelong learning and plays a crucial foundational role in the creation of sustainable, prosperous and peaceful societies.

Literacy skills developed from a basic to advanced level throughout life are part of broader competencies required for critical thinking, the sense of responsibility, participatory governance, sustainable consumption and lifestyles, ecological behaviours, biodiversity protection, poverty reduction, and disaster risk reduction.

 

We don’t have to do it ON the day. We can help children learn to read, and to read great things opening their vision, dreams and opportunities on ANY day of the year, and we have incredibly exciting opportunites for you!!

Several of our hero/ines are working on this, and the activities involved are super exciting. Each involves

– a quick fundraiser

– opportunity for “live” webcast meetings

– opportunity for observing the project’s success unfold

 

Here are our partners for the UN Day of Literacy: