According to Wikipedia, across the globe some 775 million people lack minimum literacy skills. Additionally, millions of children struggle to acquire basic proficiency levels in reading, writing and numeracy; and a shocking 250 million children (6-18 years old) are currently out of school.

To raise awareness of the urgency of this situation, UNESCO annually hosts International Literacy Day on September 8. UNESCO (The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN), whose aim is to promote world peace and security through international cooperation in education, arts, sciences and culture.

Celebrated for the first time in 1967, International Literacy Day highlights the importance of literacy to individuals, communities and societies. It is also an opportunity to remind policy-makers, practitioners and the public of the critical importance of literacy for creating more literate, just, peaceful and sustainable society.

International Literacy Day Celebrations in 2024

This year, the International Literacy Day theme is “Promoting Multilingual Education: Literacy for Mutual Understanding and Peace.” UNESCO says, “”The benefits of multilingual education are well documented and evidenced by research. When children are offered education in their household language, more of them attend school, girls from rural areas stay in education longer, and all children acquire better thinking skills. Multilingual education also supports intercultural dialogue, social cohesion and peace. For language is a passport to communication with others: it connects us across cultures; it opens us to new ways of perceiving and interpreting the world; it strengthens understanding within and between peoples.”

Learn more at UNESCO.

About Success Won’t Wait

Founded in 2002, Success Won’t Wait is a not-for-profit literacy organization based in Wilmington, Delaware. To learn more about Success Won’t Wait’s literacy projects, how to donate used children’s books in Delaware, or volunteer your time, please click on the About Us tab above.

And, if your program, school or center needs assistance with books, please Contact Us to learn more.

Read now, because success won’t wait!