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September 8 -International Literacy Day
International Literacy Day is celebrated every year on September 8, 2010. First celebrated by the UNESCO in 1966, International Literacy Day commemorates the significance of literacy to various communities and also for individuals. A major part of world’s population is grappling with curse of illiteracy. Majority of these illiterate people are women. Though, we have made rapid scientific and technological advancements in last century yet the illiteracy has remained blight on our progress.
An illiterate person does not have the ability to read and writer which stops him from understanding the social and economical condition of the society and nation. Considering the multitude of opportunities available to us in modern era, it is rather unfortunate that illiterate people are not able to take advantage of prospects available to them. Illiteracy stems from poverty and unemployment. Because of widespread poverty in the world, millions of children are not able to attend basic schooling. Africa, South and West Asia are worst affected with the problem of illiteracy.
Illiteracy perpetrates various other problems like indulgence in violence, criminal activities and chauvinism against women. September 8 is proclaimed as International Literacy Day to spread literacy awareness amongst world’s illiterate community. Literacy missions and educational institutions all over the world mark this day for disseminating benefits of literacy to the people. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) adopted the International Literacy Day in the year 1965. The day features many educational programs. The movement received a major boost when in 1990, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the year as International Literacy Year. This was a massive step in efforts to counter the danger of illiteracy. The declaration further strengthened the commitment of the world community to support literacy as a key to personal progress and to the socio-economic development of nations. It is important to continue the efforts made by UNESCO and social organizations so that people can be empowered to face challenges of life in a stronger way.
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