National Literacy Day

Books and hands symbolizing literacy and education for National Literacy Day

National Literacy Day: A Celebration of Knowledge and Empowerment

National Literacy Day, also known as International Literacy Day, is an annual observance dedicated to promoting literacy as a fundamental human right and a cornerstone for personal and societal development. Established by UNESCO in 1966, this day underscores the importance of reading, writing, and education in fostering sustainable communities and improving lives.

Quick Facts

  • When is it?: September 8 every year.
  • Tagged as: A global initiative to combat illiteracy.
  • What’s the hashtag?: #InternationalLiteracyDay
  • When was it founded?: 1966.
  • Who founded it?: UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization).

History of National Literacy Day

The roots of National Literacy Day trace back to the 1965 World Conference of Ministers of Education on the Eradication of Illiteracy held in Tehran, Iran. Recognizing literacy as a key driver for human rights and dignity, UNESCO officially declared September 8 as International Literacy Day during its 14th General Conference in 1966. The first celebration took place in 1967, marking the beginning of a global movement to address literacy challenges.

Timeline

  • 1965: The idea for International Literacy Day was introduced at a global conference in Tehran.
  • 1966: UNESCO officially declared September 8 as International Literacy Day.
  • 1967: The first International Literacy Day was celebrated worldwide.
  • 1990: The importance of literacy was emphasized at the World Conference on Education for All in Thailand.
  • 2015: Literacy became a focus within the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
  • 2024: The theme focused on “Promoting multilingual education for mutual understanding and peace.”

Dates by Next Year

YearMonth and DateDay
2025September 8Monday
2026September 8Tuesday
2027September 8Wednesday
2028September 8Friday
2029September 8Saturday
2030September 8Sunday

Observed

National Literacy Day is observed globally with activities such as:

  • Book donation drives.
  • Community reading sessions.
  • Awareness campaigns about literacy challenges.
  • Workshops on improving literacy skills.

Fun Facts About National Literacy Day

  • Reading for just six minutes a day can reduce stress by up to 68%.
  • Around 771 million adults worldwide lack basic literacy skills.
  • Two-thirds of illiterate adults are women, highlighting gender disparities in education.

Quiz

  1. When is National Literacy Day celebrated?
  • A) October 8
  • B) September 8
  • C) November 8
  • D) December 8
    (Answer: B)
  1. Which organization founded National Literacy Day?
  • A) UNICEF
  • B) UNESCO
  • C) WHO
  • D) UNDP
    (Answer: B)
  1. What percentage of the world’s population is illiterate?
  • A) 5%
  • B) 10%
  • C) 14%
  • D) 20%
    (Answer: C)

FAQs

  1. Why is National Literacy Day important?
    It raises awareness about literacy challenges and promotes education as a tool for empowerment.
  2. What is the theme for National Literacy Day in recent years?
    Themes vary annually; in 2024, it focused on multilingual education for peace and understanding.
  3. How can I celebrate National Literacy Day?
    Volunteer to teach, donate books, or participate in local literacy programs.

Related

  • World Book Day
  • Education for All Initiative
  • United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
  • Global Education First Initiative