International Literacy Day: Unlocking Future Potential

Imagine a world where everyone has access to food and education – two fundamental rights we all deserve. Don’t we?? Whenever I have the chance to give back to society, it’s either through feeding the less fortunate or by kindling the flame of education.

Today, on the 8th of September, we celebrate International Literacy Day (ILD), a day that holds immense significance. The day was first commemorated during the 14th session of UNESCO in November 1966 and since 1967 the day has been celebrated around the world to promote global literacy.

The Theme of ILD 2023

The theme for ILD 2023 is ‘Promoting literacy for a world in transition: Building the foundation for sustainable and peaceful societies.’

It’s a reminder that education is the ray of hope in a world clouded by ignorance.

The theme ignites hope amidst the recent global changes that have hindered literacy progress across world regions.

Education isn’t just about reading and writing; it’s about comprehending our civic and moral responsibilities to create peaceful societies. Literacy is in fact the backbone of a self-reliant society and a booming economy.

ILD and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

In 2015, the United Nations adopted 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Goal number 4 (SDG-4) emphasizes universal access to quality education and expanding learning opportunities worldwide.

As we approach the midway point of the 2030 Global Agenda for Sustainable Development that was adopted in 2015, we must reflect on our progress toward achieving these 17 critical goals especially Goal number 4.

As per the UNESCO report, India has the largest population of 287 million illiterate adults in the world. However, it’s essential to note that India’s literacy rate has made significant strides since gaining independence.

Celebrating ILD On An Individual Basis

Here are some basic activities that we can do as individuals and contribute our bit in spreading awareness and education:

• As the proverb says, “Charity begins at home.” Take some time out to teach underprivileged children in your community. This might include the children of house help, drivers, or those living in nearby slums.

You can also volunteer at an NGO like Robin Hood Army and spend a few hours teaching underprivileged children.

I have been a part of the Robin Hood Army and have witnessed the volunteers making a real difference by ensuring maximum admissions of children into mainstream education.

• Guide and counsel students. How many times have we said it ourselves, “Yaar there was nobody to guide us in those days otherwise I would have made better decisions.” So be that somebody now and guide students to make better career choices.

I was thrilled to learn that the daughter of my house help had cleared her interview and got admission into Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute with little guidance. A proud moment indeed.

Now she has motivated her younger siblings to pursue higher education.

“You educate a man; you educate a man. You educate a woman; you educate a generation.”

Brigham Young

• Donate books. If your shelves are laden with books collecting dust, consider donating them so that they can continue spreading magic in other’s lives.

Book donation drives in association with friends and colleagues are a great way to donate new and old books to libraries, orphanages, and underprivileged kids.

Challenges Of The Modern World

We may have come a long way on the path of literacy and women empowerment since Independence but on the occasion of International Literacy Day, I’d like to shed light on much less-discussed yet crucial topics – Financial literacy and Digital literacy.

Financial literacy is a life skill that helps an individual manage his/her own finances.

Only 27% of Indian adults and 24% of women meet the minimum level of financial literacy set by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

Leave the stats, how many of us take an interest in investment and growth of personal finances? Maybe a handful of us. I personally find numbers very boring.

However, I’ve started engaging with investments and financial planning, thanks to those interesting financial influencers these days.

It is important to educate women about financial principles and help them learn about personal banking and microfinance so that they don’t fall prey to loan sharks.

This data on Worldwide Digital Literacy will definitely shock you:

It is important to learn, teach and spread awareness about digital tools and how to use the internet effectively and efficiently.

Now before I end this blog, here is an interesting fact for my readers who managed to read through the entire article.

Did you know just by reading 6 minutes a day, you can reduce stress by 68%? Isn’t it amazing?

Now we have another reason to read more! After all, who doesn’t want to beat stress the easy way.

Share this message on International Literacy Day, take action in your community, and spread the light of education as far as possible!