Learning to read and write is a fundamental life skill. Despite increased efforts and resources to fight illiteracy worldwide, and the subsequent rise in literacy levels over the past five decades, illiteracy continues to persist as a global crisis.
According to the UIS Statistics (2017), 61 million children are out of primary school, while many more attend irregularly and others simply drop out. In addition, it is estimated that 775 million adults around the world lack minimum literacy skills, two thirds of them being women.
In developing countries, high illiteracy is a significant and persistent challenge as research indicates a clear connection between illiteracy and severe poverty. Overwhelming evidence affirms the importance of basic education and improved literacy levels for development, which calls for more aggressive measures and interventions in the global fight against illiteracy.
Literacy for dignity
On October 26, 1966, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) declared September 8 as International Literacy Day (ILD) to emphasize the importance of literacy as a matter of dignity and human rights, and advance the literacy agenda towards a more literate and sustainable society. ILD is an opportunity for governments, civil society and education stakeholders to highlight progress and improvement achieved in literacy rates around the world, as well as reflect on existing challenges and steps needed to achieve literacy for all. Each year, ILD is celebrated under a different theme and this year’s is ‘Literacy and Skills Development’.
To support this mission, on September 8, civil society coalitions funded by GCE's Civil Society Education Fund (CSEF), join the rest of the world in celebrating ILD, through various events. We showcase these activities as GCE dedication to support SDG 4 and advocate for basic and quality education as a reality for everyone.