History
In 1966, Unesco declared September 8th International Literacy Day to “remind the international community of the importance of literacy for individuals, communities and societies, and the need for intensified efforts towards more literate societies.”
Since then, each year the United Nations has observed the day, making it a key component of their Sustainable Development Goals and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Sustainable Development Goal 4 aspires to have all young people achieve literacy and numeracy, and for adults who never learned those skills, the opportunity to gain them.
2020 Observance
Due to the pandemic, this year’s observance will center around literacy teaching and learning in the Covid-19 crisis and beyond, and focus on the role of educators and changing pedagogies.
There will be time devoted to reflect and host talks on how the pandemic may have disrupted literacy programs and how to overcome those gaps. In addition, analysis of policies, systems, governance and best practices on how to support educators will take place.
To participate in related activities that day, you can attend one or two free webinars, hosted by UNESCO via Zoom. Register here.
Many libraries, educational institutions and bookstores also host events to mark this day. Check in your local community for possible activities in your area.
Touch the Earth Trilogy
If you haven’t yet purchased a copies of Touch the Earth, Heal the Earth and Love the Earth by Julian Lennon, these books are a wonderful way to introduce young ones to reading (plus, they make great gifts). You can find them all in the Official Julian Lennon Store, including the audio-visual versions.
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If you’d like to give to a project that will promote literacy upon completion, we continue to raise funds for a new nursery school in Zambia. Learn more about that effort and donate here. We appreciate your support.
