You could begin by Swapping your Favourite Books!
Earlier this week the world marked National Literacy Day (8th September) so here’s some ideas for celebrating literacy. Maybe you could try swapping a favourite book with a friend, or joining a book club?!
UNESCO first commemorated this day in 1966 as a reminder of the fundamental role of literacy in everyday life for individuals, communities and societies, and to tackle unequal literacy rates across the globe.
Literacy includes the ability to both read and write and is a source of empowerment. The International Literacy Association stresses that being literate is linked with less poverty, lower early mortality rates, stronger economies, increased community involvement and improved personal wellbeing. This makes the UN’s targets to ensure all young people and adults have the opportunity to acquire literacy and numeracy essential.
This past year has caused new barriers; access to literacy learning, particularly amongst adults, has been suspended or largely moved online. Lack of access to digital services and technology have exacerbated pre-existing issues of imbalanced literacy rates. According to UNESCO, over 775 million adults across the world are illiterate, two-thirds of this figure being women.
We can’t be certain of the long-term impact of this past year and a half on literacy rates, but we do know that it’s more important than ever to encourage both children and adults to develop these skills. Why not join in and appreciate your own literacy by…
Signing up for a library card. The best part? It’s free.
Sharing a book recommendation with a friend, or even better, swap your favourite books!
Designing your own book covers or bookmarks.
Taking part in a fundraising event to raise money for a literacy charity or donating books. This way you can get involved and help others.
Re-reading a much-loved book or picking up a new one!
Starting or joining a book club for people with similar reading preferences as you.
Whichever way you celebrate the power of literacy, we hope you have fun and keep being kind!
Lucy
Educational Researcher
Be Kind Movement
