Yesterday was World Literacy Day and the buzz online was really low with quite a number of bloggers not even talking about it at all. Could it be because people don’t see much benefit in learning how to read and write as opposed to singing to make money or being a footballer among other things?
This is not even about young children alone but even adults as well because according to global statistics, 778 Million adults worldwide cannot write their own names or read a line in a book!
I even came across a joke online some days ago which mentioned music and dancing competitions like Project fame,Naija Sings,Nigerian Idol etc offering cash prizes in millions of Naira, while essay competitions and spelling bees attracted way below one hundred thousand Naira!!
Unfortunately, that is the reality we find ourselves in recent times. I personally ran a hype for a bank that recently organized an Essay Competition and the turn out was so poor, but when I mentioned a Talent Contest, names were just pouring in with parents calling me at odd times to be sure I got the names of their kids.
Literacy is a human right, a tool of personal empowerment and a means for social and human development. It is also at the heart of basic education for all, and essential for eradicating poverty, reducing child mortality, curbing population growth, achieving gender equality and ensuring sustainable development, peace and democracy.
A good quality basic education equips pupils with literacy skills for life and further learning and literate parents are more likely to send their children to school. Literate people are better able to access continuing educational opportunities and literate societies are better geared to meet pressing development.
As we mark International Literacy Day every 8th of September, I think it is time to highlight the importance of literacy and the challenges ahead in promoting global literacy because the statics are too shocking and should be looked into.The World Literacy Foundation also gave statistics of about 67 million children not having access to primary school education.
The whole essence of the World Literacy Day by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is to call on governments and international organizations to stress on the importance of ensuring most if not all people have the opportunity to read and write.
The theme of this years International Literacy Day 2014 is "Literacy and Sustainable Development' to highlight how literacy promotes sustainable development by allowing greater decision-making power in economic development, social development and environmental protection..
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