September 8, 2016 marks the 50th Anniversary of International Literacy Day. Under the guidance of UNESCO (United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization) governments, business, private and public sectors have been working together, around the world to find ways that we can bring literacy to the ever growing world population. At the 2-day conference in Paris, France, September 8th & 9th, the Global Alliance for Literacy (GAL) will be launched. Everyone is excited to put into action, the plans to marry traditional learning methods with digital tools, so as to increase educational opportunities for people all around the globe.
You too, can play a part in the literacy movement. Wherever you live, regardless of the Continent or Country, please look into the organizations hosting the programs that help increase the literacy rate. Here are a couple of thoughts… Talk to the Superintendents of your Boards of Education to see how you can participate in your schools to help the children. If you are familiar with Rotary International, a human rights service organization, connect with them, as they are enthusiastic supporters of local literacy programs. Keep in mind that there are millions of adults all around the world who have slipped through the cracks of the education system. Should you be aware of someone, reach out, help however you are able, even if it is only to guide them to a program or service that can give them the tools they need. Everyone deserves the right to live a life of dignity and self respect, that being able to read and write can offer.
You may have a business that can provide necessary funds, or be someone who can volunteer a few hours at a time, either way you can most certainly be a pro-active part of the solution! Here is the website for the World Literacy Foundation, to guide you further.
I leave you with a quote from the book, I am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban. “One child, one teacher, one book and one pen can change the world.”
Annette Rochelle Aben 