International Literacy Day

Celebrate International Literacy Day
September 8, 2007

International Literacy Day, observed annually on September 8, focuses attention on worldwide literacy needs. More than 780 million of the world’s adults (nearly two-thirds of whom are women) do not know how to read or write, and between 94 and 115 million children lack access to education.

International celebration

The centerpiece of each year’s international observance of International Literacy Day is the awarding of five UNESCO literacy prizes, which honor outstanding local, regional, or national literacy programs. Literacy projects in China, the United States, Nigeria, Senegal, and the United Republic of Tanzania are the winners of the five prizes this year.

UNESCO-IRA literacy prize goes to program in China

The IRA-sponsored UNESCO International Reading Association Literacy Prize (formerly, the International Reading Association Literacy Award), has been presented each year since 1979 by UNESCO on International Literacy Day. The recipient of this year’s $20,000 prize is the Community Education Administration Centre, Longsheng Ethnic Minority Autonomous County, People’s Republic of China. The center serves a large ethnic population with a high illiteracy rate, especially among women. For more than 10 years, the center has conducted a literacy program for women that is coordinated with a program for the eradication of poverty through education and a comprehensive system for rural education.

Watch for further details in the August/September 2007 issue of Reading Today.

IRA celebrates in Washington, DC

Although the official date is September 8, the International Reading Association (IRA) will celebrate International Literacy Day in Washington, DC, on Tuesday, September 11, this year. The theme for the DC event is “Literacy, a Human Right.” Get details of this special event.

IRA councils: How will you observe the day?

In past years IRA councils and individual members have found a variety of ways to observe International Literacy Day, from organizing themed readings in local schools and libraries to supporting national and international literacy programs. This year, councils are invited to consider contacting their local Rotary clubs to explore ways they can work together in support of literacy. See the list of “Idea Starters” for some interesting possibilities.