Today, September 8, is World Literacy Day 2021, a global commemoration of the importance and relevance of literacy for all people.
NEW DELHI: Today is International Literacy Day 2021, which will be observed all across the world. Every year on September 8, this day is commemorated to remind the world of the significance of literacy for every individual, society, and nation, as well as the necessity to work toward more literate societies.
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World Literacy Day 2021: History
International Literacy Day was established by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1966. For the first time, World Literacy Day was observed in 1967.
World Literacy Day Theme 2021
“Literacy for a human-centered recovery: Narrowing the digital divide” is the topic for this year’s International Literacy Day. According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), over 773 million kids and adults lack basic reading abilities. The pandemic of COVID-19 has exacerbated disparities in literacy learning chances. While efforts have been made to maintain learning continuity, such as through online education or remote learning, the result has been a digital divide. Many people do not have internet connection or even electricity.
On its official website, UNESCO stated, “International Literacy Day (ILD) 2021 will investigate how literacy may contribute to laying a firm basis for a human-centred recovery, with a particular focus on the interaction of literacy and digital skills required by non-literate youth and adults.” Literacy, according to UNESCO, is essential for long-term growth and a human-centered recovery from the COVID-19 epidemic.
International Literacy Day 2021 celebration
UNESCO will host an online webinar on World Literacy Day 2021 from September 8 to 9 at webcast.unesco.org/events/2021-09-ILD/. UNESCO’s official website is where interested participants may register.
Every year, during its formal ceremony, UNESCO awards international literacy prizes to programmes that encourage literacy. This year, two awards will be awarded to each of three programmes.