Facts About International
Literacy Day,
Wednesday, September 8th, 2010
- International Literacy Day is celebrated
each year on September 8th.
- International Literacy Day was first
observed on September 8, 1967.
- The aim of International Literacy Day
is to focus attention on the need to
promote worldwide literacy.
- It is estimated that 860 million of the
world's adults do not know how to read
or write (nearly two-thirds of this number
are women), and that more than 100
million children lack access to education.
- On International Literacy Day, individuals,
organizations, and countries throughout
the world renew their efforts to promote
literacy and demonstrate their commitment
to providing education for all.
- The United Nations Educational, Scientific,
and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is the
founder of International Literacy Day, and
is responsible for appointing a jury to award
international literacy prizes.
- As part of a network of literacy organizations,
the International Reading Association
co-sponsors an annual celebration of
International Literacy Day, which typically
includes featured speakers, representatives
from a wide range of governmental and non-
governmental institutions, members of the
press, and invited guests.
- Provincial councils and national affiliates of
the International Reading Association often
sponsor International Literacy Day activities
and celebrations.
- Because International Literacy Day coincides
with the beginning of a new school year in
many countries, classroom teachers use this
day to recognize the importance of literacy in
the lives of both children and adults.
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