World Literacy Day: Its Importance Around The Globe

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    Literacy is often defined as, in short, the ability to read and write. While there are many variations of what literacy can look like, it’s important for both individuals and societies to strive towards having a literate population. 

    There are many initiatives to promote literacy across various countries. Today, International Literacy Day, is a day to spread awareness about the importance of literacy, discuss solutions and take action to improve literacy around the world. In this blog, we'll cover: 

    What Is World Literacy Day?  

    World Literacy Day is observed each year on September 8th. International Literacy Day (ILD) festivities have been held every year since 1967 to raise awareness of the value of literacy as a matter of human rights and dignity and to push the literacy agenda in the direction of a more literate and sustainable society.

    According to UNESCO, despite advancements, there are still literacy issues, with at least 771 million adults and children worldwide lacking even the most basic literacy abilities.This year’s theme is Transforming Literacy Learning Spaces. In order to foster resilience and guarantee high-quality, fair, and inclusive education for everyone, the transformation of literacy learning spaces will present an opportunity to reconsider their essential significance.

    Why Literacy Is Important Around The World 

    Literacy helps people escape poverty. Being illiterate in reading and writing is a huge disadvantage. A person's life is enriched by literacy, and it also gives them the chance to learn skills that will enable them to support their families and themselves. Economic growth, as well as the wellbeing of individuals and communities, depend on literacy. Literacy in both English and math is crucial for career progress.

    When students have higher reading levels, our economy benefits. Effective literacy abilities open up more educational and employment opportunities, enabling people to escape poverty and persistent underemployment. It is crucial for individuals to continuously broaden their knowledge and pick up new skills in order to stay up with the pace of change in our technologically advanced and rapidly evolving world.

    In order to exercise their rights, individuals must be aware of them. Access to knowledge is made possible by literacy. Literacy significantly contributes to the reduction of gender, race, nationality, and religious inequality that disadvantages one group over another in terms of access to school, property, work, health care, legal protection, and civic engagement.

    Reading and writing skills vary between cultures and circumstances, and both of them are ever-changing. When it comes to fostering development as active members of society, literacy is crucial. Being able to read and write allows one to be informed about current affairs, communicate well, and comprehend the problems affecting our world.

    Immigrant English Literacy In Canada 

    Although immigration is a significant contributor to Canada's economic expansion, many immigrants still struggle to find employment in Canada because of their limited ability to read and write in English. As a result, their abilities, expertise, and experience are usually underutilized.

    Understanding the English language in Canada has its merits. For example, an individual's capacity to comprehend and interpret health information helps them retain better health. They can interact more effectively with their medical professionals, learn and apply preventive health measures, and spot issues more easily.

    Compared to earlier immigrants, new immigrants are far less likely to speak English as their first language, and a large percentage of them have finished high school in their home countries, frequently in a language other than English. This is one of the reasons why it is so important to promote literacy in Canada, despite perceived barriers such as ethnicity, age or socio-economic status.  

    Final Thoughts

    A community that reads and writes is a vibrant community; a community that talks and shares ideas is more creative and effective. Sharing opinions, viewpoints, and issues also promotes stronger levels of compassion and understanding among people, which in turn fosters a strong sense of community.

    If you are interested in getting additional training and education, ABM College offers courses in health, business, and technology, many of which you can complete in just a year.

    Contact us today for more information.

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