International Literacy Day

Since:
🥂 1966

Created by: 🤷

Because texting emojis just can’t say enough! 📖✍️📚🗞️

Why It’s So Cool to Be Literate

Can you imagine a world without reading and writing?
A world where you couldn’t write a letter to a friend, or read a book to your child?
Literacy isn’t just reading and writing; it’s a superpower where words are the ultimate power-ups in life’s video game!
It’s not just about decoding words; it’s about opening doors to new worlds.

What’s in a Word

The word “literacy” itself comes from the Latin word “litteratus,” meaning “educated” or “cultured”.
There are different levels of literacy, from basic literacy to functional literacy to critical literacy.
Basic literacy is the ability to read and write simple sentences.
Functional literacy is the ability to read and write at a level that is sufficient for everyday tasks.
Critical literacy is the ability to read and write critically, to understand the underlying messages of a text and to think critically about the world around you.
Literacy is not just about reading; it’s about becoming a citizen of the world of ideas.

From Cave Paintings to Cat Memes

Literacy has come a long way from cave paintings to emoji-laden text messages. Millennia ago, it was etched on stone tablets, and today it’s one click away on our screens.
Literacy is the cornerstone of human civilization, allowing us to record history, share ideas, and, of course, share cat videos.
We’ve evolved from scratching symbols on rocks to typing LOL on smartphones.
Today, literacy is essential for participation in modern society. It is a basic human right, and it is essential for education, employment, and civic engagement.

The Double-Edged Quill: Pros and Cons of Literacy

There are many benefits to being literate. Literacy can help you to:

It’s the gateway to knowledge and personal growth.
Literacy strengthens communities
Literacy gives you the power to advocate for yourself and others.
Literacy fosters connections and bridges cultural gaps.
Literacy allows us to practice critical thinking
Literacy sparks creativity

Drawbacks:

Eyestrain from too much reading (but totally worth it).
Information overload
Literate people may be more likely to be exposed to harmful information, such as propaganda or hate speech.
They may also be more likely to be targets of scams and fraud.

What-If: A World Without Words

It’s hard to imagine a world without literacy.
No books, no internet, no signs, and no recipes. We’d be stuck in the oral tradition, and you’d probably be listening to this article right now.
It would be a place where people were less informed and less connected. It would be a place where people were less able to participate in society and to make their voices heard.
Thank the ancient scribes for sparing us this fate!

The Origin of International Literacy Day

UNESCO, declared International Literacy Day on September 8, 1966, with the first celebration in 1967 to spotlight the importance of literacy in individuals, communities, and societies.
It’s now celebrated in numerous countries, proving that words truly know no borders.

How to Celebrate International Literacy Day

There are many ways to celebrate International Literacy Day. Here are a few ideas:

Host a Book Swap: Exchange knowledge and stories.
Join a Book Club: Connect with fellow book enthusiasts.
Write a Book Review: Share your literary insights online.
Donate Books: Support literacy programs or libraries. Give the gift of reading to those in need
Read Aloud: Share your favorite book passages with friends or family.
Write a Poem: Get creative with words.
Use Social Media: Share your literary adventures on social media with #LiteracyDay.

Let’s Keep the Pages Turning!

Literacy is like Wi-Fi for your brain. Connect, download, and stream the wisdom of the ages.
And if anyone asks you why you are celebrating International Literacy Day by writing a novel in the park, just tell them that Wild Calendar gave you permission to do so.
Happy International Literacy Day!

#InternationalLiteracyDay #LiteracyDay