Having the ability to read is a right, not a privilege. Yet despite ever-expanding channels of communication everywhere, there are no less than 773 million people around the world who do not have minimal reading ability. This startling statistic comes from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), who also point out that nearly 70 percent of illiterate adults are women. This year, International Literacy Day is being celebrated for the 55th time and falls on September 8.
A word after a word after a word is power.
MARGARET ATWOOD
Here in Canada, it’s easy to take reading for granted, as we have a literacy rate of over 99 percent. However, in many parts of the world – especially Africa and South Asia – literacy rates fall within just 15 to 30 percent. The stark reality is that there’s a blatant relationship between extreme poverty, illiteracy, and gender discrimination.
It’s incumbent upon us, therefore, to “share the wealth” and encourage the teaching and learning of reading in places it’s needed most. To do this, we can leverage the spread of information through family, friends, websites, and social media.
Why is it so important to read? The benefits are endless: it stimulates our brain; it enhances our vocabulary; it makes us learn and understand; it improves our emotional state; it makes us creative; it helps us professionally; and it gives us unique, personal experiences. So, let’s give more appreciation to opening a book, enjoying a good read, and encouraging others to do the same.
For more information on International Literacy Day 2021, visit: www.unesco.org/commemorations/literacyday
