International Literacy Day 2021: From History to theme to significance, here’s all about the day

For human beings, knowledge is as important as food and to raise awareness about literacy and knowledge, every year, World Literacy Day is celebrated on September 8 across the world. Literacy not only makes a person self-sufficient but also allows one to live with dignity. 

International Literacy Day (ILD) celebrations have taken place annually around the world to remind the public of the importance of literacy as a matter of dignity and human rights, and to advance the literacy agenda towards a more literate and sustainable society. As per UNESCO, literacy challenges persist with at least 773 million young people and adults lacking basic literacy skills today.

International Literacy Day 2021: Theme

Every year, the day is celebrated under a specific theme and this year's theme has been selected by keeping the covid-19 crisis in mind. 

The theme for International Literacy Day 2021 is – “Literacy for a human-centered recovery: Narrowing the digital divide.”

UNESCO official website read, “The pandemic, however, was a reminder of the critical importance of literacy. Literacy, therefore, is central to a human-centered recovery from the COVID-19 crisis.

Also Read: Teachers’ Day 2021: History, Significance and Quotes

ILD 2021 will explore what makes technology-enabled literacy learning inclusive and meaningful to leave no one behind. By doing so, ILD2021 will be an opportunity to re-imagine future literacy teaching and learning, within and beyond the context of the pandemic.”

International Literacy Day 2021: History

UNESCO on October 26, 1966, declared September 8, as International Literacy Day. The aim behind this day was to encourage individuals, communities and societies, and to remind people about the importance of literacy in terms of respect and dignity.

International Literacy Day 2021: Quotes and Messages

Quotes: 

• “The function of education is to teach one to think critically. Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
• “Education is the most powerful weapon for changing the world.” – Nelson Mandela
• “The man who does not read has no advantage over the man who cannot read.” – Mark Twain
• “Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.” – Frederick Douglass
• “My bursting heart must find vent at my pen.” – Abigail Adams

Messages: 

• International Literacy Day aims to promote the importance of literacy in terms of dignity and human rights. 
• Literacy is the fertilizer needed for development and democracy to take root and grow.
• Wishing a very very Happy International Literacy Day to all literate people, It is time to bring positive change to the world.
• The foundation of every society is its education of literacy and literacy means everything to every society.