World Literacy Day 2022: All You Need to Know About Theme, History And Significance

Education is important for individual growth and for the progress of society as a whole. To acknowledge and celebrate the importance of literacy, World Literacy Day is celebrated on September 8. The main aim of observing this day is to focus on spreading awareness among people regarding the importance of literacy. Despite several attempts to make progress, there are many who still lack basic literacy, including the inability to read and write. It's essential to celebrate this day in every community globally.    

Theme

In 2022, the theme for World Literacy Day is “Transforming Literacy Learning Spaces.” According to UNESCO, this theme will serve as an opportunity to rethink the fundamental importance of literacy and learning spaces to build resilience and ensure quality, equitable, and inclusive education for all.

History and Significance

The origin of this day is linked to the World Conference of the Ministers of Education in Tehran in 1965. On October 26, 1966, UNESCO declared International Literacy Day will be celebrated on September 8 every year. The decision was taken because many countries across the world faced serious issues including illiteracy, poverty, unemployment, and inadequate health care in the 1960s and 70s. Therefore, in order to educate the people and empower them, it was decided that a day like World Literacy Day will be celebrated annually.

Literacy not only teaches people the ability to think independently and make decisions based on what is right and what's not, but also serves as a powerful tool. Literacy is every individual's right and each and every person residing in the world must get access to education. On this day, UNESCO usually organises different events in different countries in collaboration with educational institutions, civil society organisations and voluntary groups.   

Purpose behind celebrating the day

It's important to celebrate this day to highlight that literacy is important for everyone. Various measures have been taken by the different governments and policymakers to ensure literacy for all as it's a key to personal and social empowerment.