Not every adult and child in the world has been provided the opportunity to learn to read and write. In an effort to bring literacy to all men, women and children, the International Reading Association and other fine groups have supported International Literacy Day and it's time to celebrate. The annual traditional is observed on September 8 and brings attention to worldwide literacy needs.
Illiteracy plagues millions of people in the world
According to the International Reading Association, more than 774 million of the world's adults do not know how to read or write. Nearly two-thirds of those people are women, and an additional 123 million children also lack the ability to read or write because of being denied access to education.
International organizations, like the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, are aiming to promote literacy.
"Literacy is much more than an educational priority – it is the ultimate investment in the future and the first step towards all the new forms of literacy required in the twenty-first century. We wish to see a century where every child is able to read and to use this skill to gain autonomy," said Irina Bokova, UNESCO Director General.
Support the fight to stamp out illiteracy
Organizations that are dedicated to promoting literacy or wish to through in their support can do so in a number of ways. A company can shine light on the issue by distributing promotional pens with the cause asking recipients to donate or support world-wide literacy.
This year's International Literacy Day is dedicated to "literacies for the 21st century" to highlight the need to have "basic literacy skills for all." UNESCO has been celebrating International Literacy Day for over 40 years now because it believes that learning how to read and write is a basic human right and the foundation to lifelong learning.
Any organization can support this cause by further educating the public about the celebration. Handy promotional pens or promotional mugs can go a long way to making the day and the cause known to others in the office or at school. Just by acknowledging the struggle for information and literacy that millions of people go through every day, you can help support programs that work to teach men, women and children how to read and write for a better future.