International Literacy Day, Educate Children for Better Future
International Literacy Day is being celebrated on September 8, emphasising the value of education for individual growth and societal advancement. International Literacy Day was established by UNESCO in 1967 with the intention of advancing worldwide literacy.
Anil Solonki8 Sept, 2024
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International Literacy Day - Commemorating the significance of literacy as a matter of human rights and dignity, International Literacy Day (ILD) is celebrated annually on September 8th, globally. The goal of ILD is to promote the literacy agenda towards a more sustainable and literate society.
At least 763 million adults and young people worldwide did not possess basic literacy abilities in 2020, despite continuous improvement in this field. The difficulties have been made worse by the current COVID-19 problem as well as other crises like wars and climate change.International Literacy Day 2024
Utilising literacy's transformational potential to advance social cohesiveness, understanding between people, and peace is vital. Given its cognitive, pedagogical, and socio-economic advantages, empowering individuals via the adoption of a first language-based, multilingual approach to literacy development and education is especially beneficial in today's world when multilingualism is a prevalent practice for many. In addition to strengthening group identities and collective histories, this strategy can aid in fostering respect and understanding between parties. In order to bring about enduring peace, International Literacy Day will examine problems pertaining to literacy in multilingual settings and investigate potential fixes for improving laws, programs, governance, and lifelong learning systems. ILD 202 4 is being observed locally, nationally, regionally, and globally both in person and virtually. The worldwide event is scheduled for September 9 and 10, 2024, in Yaoundé, Cameroon . Along with side events like the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities, the annual meeting of the Global Alliance of Literacy within the Framework of Lifelong Learning (GAL), and meetings of the Action Research on Measuring Literacy and Alternative Education (RAMAED), it will feature a global conference and the awarding of the UNESCO International Literacy Prizes. Also Read: World Day for International Justice 2024International Literacy Day 2024 Theme
Every year on September 8, the globe honours International Literacy Day to highlight the importance of literacy and education in one's life. The day serves as a reminder of the value of reading, personal growth, and societal advancement. The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) originally recognised the day. The day serves as a sobering reminder that reading is a basic human right that is essential to one's dignity rather than a luxury. The purpose of the day is to promote literacy efforts worldwide. According to UNESCO estimates, around 76 crore adults and young people worldwide did not possess basic literacy abilities in 2020. Understand the history and significance of the day. The International Literacy Day 2024 theme is "Promoting multilingual education: Literacy for mutual understanding and peace" . Additionally, it will be a chance to discuss the literacy goals in Cameroon and Africa in relation to the African Union's Year of Education and other issues. If reading represents a triumph for humankind, it is a precarious one, as relapses are always possible. This International Literacy Day serves as a timely reminder of this and a chance to celebrate individuals who are committed to achieving universal literacy rather than simply a theoretical ideal. Check: International Day of Cooperatives 2024Literacy Rate of India 2011 State Wise
In India, there is a 12.9% point disparity between men and women, with male literacy standing at 84.7% and female literacy at 70.3% . Kerala has the least gender literacy difference (2.2% points) while Rajasthan has the highest (23.3%).- India's 2011 literacy rate was 73%. According to the 2011 Census, the literacy rate in India males and females are 80.9% and 64.6% respectively.
- Kerala has the highes t literacy rate (94.0%) among Indian states, followed by Mizoram (91.3%).
- With a literacy rate of 91.8%, Lakshadweep is the highest of all the Union Territories.
- With 61.8%, Bihar has India's lowest literacy percentage.
- Kerala (96.1%) and Lakshadweep (95.6%) have the highest rates of male literacy.
- In Mizoram (89.3%) and Kerala (92.1%), female literacy rates are the highest.
- Bihar has the lowest male literacy rate (71.2%).
- Rajasthan has the lowest rate of female literacy (52.1%).
| State Wise Literacy Rate of India 2011 | |||
| State | Literacy | Male Literacy | Female Literacy |
| Andhra Pradesh | 67.02% | 74.95% | 59.74% |
| Arunachal Pradesh | 65.54% | 72.6% | 57.7% |
| Assam | 72.2% | 77.8% | 66.3% |
| Bihar | 61.8% | 71.2% | 51.5% |
| Chhattisgarh | 70.3% | 80.3% | 60.2 % |
| Goa | 88.70% | 92.6% | 84.89% |
| Gujarat | 78 % | 85.8% | 69.73% |
| Haryana | 75.6% | 84.1% | 65.9% |
| Himachal Pradesh | 82.8% | 89.5% | 75.59% |
| Jharkhand | 66.43% | 76.84% | 55.4% |
| Karnataka | 75.4% | 82.5% | 68.13% |
| Kerala | 94.00% | 96.1% | 92.1% |
| Madhya Pradesh | 69.3% | 78.7% | 59.2% |
| Maharashtra | 82.34% | 88.38% | 75.9% |
| Manipur | 76.9% | 83.6% | 70.3% |
| Meghalaya | 74.4% | 76.0% | 72.9% |
| Mizoram | 91.3% | 93.3% | 89.3% |
| Nagaland | 79.55% | 82.75% | 76.1% |
| Odisha | 72.9% | 81.6% | 64.0% |
| Punjab | 75.8% | 80.4% | 70.7% |
| Rajasthan | 66.11% | 79.19% | 52.1% |
| Sikkim | 81.4% | 86.6% | 75.6% |
| Tamil Nadu | 80.1% | 86.81% | 73.4% |
| Tripura | 87.2% | 91.5% | 82.70% |
| Uttar Pradesh | 67.68% | 77.28% | 57.18% |
| Uttarakhand | 78.8% | 87.4% | 70.0% |
| West Bengal | 76.3% | 81.7% | 70.5% |
The Impact of Poverty on Literacy in India
In India, poverty profoundly affects literacy rates, reinforcing a cycle of educational and economic disadvantage. Poverty limits access to quality education, causing children from low-income families to face barriers like early dropouts and inadequate learning environments. Educational access and outcomes are uneven, with poorer regions and socioeconomic groups experiencing lower literacy rates. The wealth index correlates positively with literacy, indicating that increasing household assets can improve educational outcomes. Consequently, the cycle of poverty and illiteracy often continues across generations, particularly in marginalized communities.Status of Global Literacy
Global literacy has improved significantly over recent decades, with basic education expansion reducing the proportion of youth lacking essential literacy skills from nearly 25% fifty years ago to under 8% in 2021. Completion rates for primary, lower secondary, and upper secondary education rose from 85% to 88%, 74% to 78%, and 53% to 59% between 2015 and 2023. However, youth and adult literacy rates increased only by 1 percentage point, from 86% to 87%, between 2016 and 2021. As of 2022, one in seven people still lacked basic literacy, and about 250 million children were out of school. Disparities remain, with significant regional and gender inequalities complicating the global literacy landscape.International Literacy Day Quotes
Here is a collection of well-known quotations about the value of literacy from International Literacy Day .- "The man who does not read has no advantage over the man who cannot read.” – Mark Twain.
- “Let us remember: One book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world.” - Malala Yousafzai
- “Literacy is a bridge from misery to hope." - Kofi Annan
- “The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.” - B.B. King
- “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.”- Mahatma Gandhi
| Related Article | |
| World Elephant Day 2024 | Women's Equality Day 2024 |
| National Handloom Day 2024 | Quit India Movement Day 2024 |
| International Youth Day 2024 | World Humanitarian Day 2024 |
International Literacy Day 2024 FAQs
What is the International Literacy Day?
UNESCO observes International Literacy Day as a way to raise awareness of the value of literacy for all individuals, groups, and society. September 8, 2024 is International Literacy Day this year.
What is the theme of the International Literacy Day?
The theme of International Literacy Day is "Promoting multilingual education: Literacy for mutual understanding and peace".
What is the literacy rate in India 2011?
The literacy rate in India 2011 is 73%, with 80.9% for males and 64.9% for females.
Who established International Literacy Day?
The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) created International Literacy Day in 1967.
Why is International Literacy Day celebrated?
Every year on September 8th, International Literacy Day (ILD) has been observed since 1967 to raise awareness among the general public, educators, and leaders of the value of literacy in creating a more equitable, peaceful, and sustainable society.
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