International Literacy Day 2016 – Thursday 8 September 2016
What is it?
- Since 1966, International Literacy Day has been celebrated around the world.
- It aims to raise awareness of literacy and help those who cannot read to learn this vital skill.
A few facts…
- One in five people in the world cannot read this sentence.
- 774 million people in this world cannot read a word.
- 516 million of these are women.
- Literacy equals money. Average annual wage in Afghanistan – £600. In the United Kingdom it is £24,000.
- A child in Africa has a 50% better chance of living beyond 5 years old if their mother can read.
- The UK has a literacy rate of 99%. Afghanistan has a literacy rate of 28%.
- Being able to read is vital to you being successful – now and in the future.
- From a text message to an exam question, from a menu to a website, we read every day.
- The more reading you do, the better you get and the easier it is!
- Think about this man and the power of literacy…
For more information about the International Literacy Day please click this link – http://www.unesco.org/new/en/unesco/events/prizes-and-celebrations/celebrations/international-days/literacy-day/
Images from UNESCO