Every year on September 8, the United Nations observes International Literacy Day. The purpose of the day is to raise awareness of the value of literacy and the world’s billions of adults and children affected by literacy issues. Governments are also urged to take action to raise literacy rates in their nations on International Literacy Day. This article will help you understand the significance of literacy and the benefits of good literacy to a state. We will also inform you about the adverse effects that a country without a literacy rate faces.
Table of contents
- International Day of Literacy
- The history of International Literacy Day
- Effects of illiteracy
- The Top Ten Benefits of Literacy
- Digital Literacy
- Economic Impact of Literacy
- Health Benefits
- Community and Social Benefits
- Gender Equality: Empowerment of Women
- Conclusion
International Day of Literacy
International Literacy Day (ILD) festivities have been held every year since 1967 to raise awareness of the value of literacy. Despite advancements, there are still 771 million illiterate persons around the globe, the majority of whom are women. These people are more vulnerable because they lack even the most basic reading and writing skills. The rapidly shifting global context has hampered the growth of international literary endeavors in recent years. Nearly 24 million students—11 million of them are expected to be girls and young women—may never return to a formal education in the wake of the pandemic. We must use an integrated strategy to enhance and modify the current learning environments and enable literacy learning from the perspective of lifelong learning to ensure that no one is left behind.
The history of International Literacy Day
To address the global problem of illiteracy, UNESCO declared September 8 as International Literacy Day on October 26. The goal was to promote reading to empower people and entire communities while fighting illiteracy. It will give many individuals around the world employment opportunities and improve their quality of life. In 2015, the UN’s program for achieving its Sustainable Development Goals included the adoption of this day. The UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development both include the issue of literacy as an essential goal.
The Effect of Illiteracy
People with low reading skills have fewer favorable employment opportunities, lower employment outcomes, and lower income. As a result, individuals frequently experience high rates of criminality, low self-esteem, and welfare dependency. Furthermore, those who lack basic literacy skills find it difficult to make significant, well-informed decisions in daily life because they have trouble with tasks like filling out applications and forms, comprehending governmental regulations, reading food or medicine labels, and other similar tasks. Additionally, parents who lack basic literacy skills frequently put work before education and have fewer expectations for their children’s education. Additionally, children of parents who did not finish primary school are more likely to follow in their parent’s footsteps and do the same. As a result, generations follow a cycle of disadvantage.
The Top Ten Benefits of Literacy
1. Polishes mental health.
According to research, people who keep their minds busy during downtime by reading or playing cognitively demanding games like chess are 2.5 times less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease than those who engage in less mentally demanding pursuits. Studies have indicated that maintaining mental acuity can halt the onset of dementia and Alzheimer’s.
2. Inhibit stress
Reading a fantastic book can take you to a magical place far from your current problems and help you relax. According to cognitive neuropsychologist Dr. Lewis, losing yourself in a book is the most extraordinary form of relaxation. It is essential when the economy is uncertain, and we are all yearning for some escape. A powerful, well-written piece can have the same impact.
3. Improves vocabulary
Your vocabulary grows as a result of reading more. You will be able to explain yourself more clearly as your vocabulary grows. With so many unique words at our disposal, language is a tremendous instrument for self-expression. People who are skilled language users and have a broad vocabulary of descriptive words have always attracted the attention and admiration of others.
4. It makes your writing skills better.
Improved vocabulary goes hand in hand with this. People who read exceptionally well-written content can imitate other writing styles because they subconsciously influence them. Your writing will improve the more you read and the higher the quality of the material you read.
5. Improves memory
Following a plot requires you to recall quite a bit, which exercises your memory. A wide variety of individuals must be remembered, as well as their histories, deeds, and parts in the main plot and its multiple subplots. In the end, if you don’t retain specific information as you read, you won’t understand what you’re reading. Reading, therefore, keeps the memory-building process in the brain active.
6. Maintain focus
People reading a lengthy piece of writing improve focus since it needs concentration. You won’t comprehend what you’re reading until you pay attention. Focus is a skill that is frequently sadly missing in our society and is necessary for reading. Daily reading for 15 to 20 minutes can help you focus better and increase productivity.
7. Encourage Empathy
Reading gives people of all ages new ideas and a new vocabulary to convey those views about the world, which is one of its many advantages. Even the development of morals is aided by it. Numerous studies have examined the impact of reading fiction on one’s capacity for empathy and discovered that, for readers, especially young ones, the experience of reading about other people’s hardships and viewpoints on the human condition helps them better understand other people.
8. Positive feeling
Reading entertaining novels reduces stress even more. Both humorous and fiction novels can help you unwind and let you believe that anything is possible. Even if we are unaware of it, the information we are exposed to during the day impacts us.
9. Make sleeping better
Recall how reading causes your heart rate to calm down and your muscles to relax. So that makes it easier for you to sleep! Adults often have problems falling asleep at night. However, research has found that reading before bed can help you sleep better and fall asleep more quickly.
10. Reading is contagious
Finally, it’s encouraging to know that your love of reading will have significant long-term effects, particularly if you have kids. You’re more likely to read yourself if others around you are doing it. Utilize this information by reading aloud to your kids at home daily.
Digital Literacy
Importance of Digital Literacy:
In today’s world, digital literacy is essential. Many everyday tasks now require basic digital skills, from using smartphones to navigating the internet. Being digitally literate allows individuals to access information, communicate effectively, and perform tasks efficiently.
Impact on Employment:
Digital literacy significantly enhances employment opportunities. Those with digital skills are more competitive in the job market, as many roles now require the ability to use digital tools and platforms. Employers value candidates who can navigate digital environments and use technology to solve problems.
Economic Impact of Literacy
Boosting the Economy:
Higher literacy rates contribute to economic growth. Literate individuals are more productive and can perform their jobs more effectively. They are also better equipped to learn new skills and adapt to changing job requirements, which drives innovation and economic development.
Reduction in Poverty:
Literacy helps reduce poverty by providing individuals with better job opportunities. Literate people can access higher-paying jobs and have the skills needed to improve their standard of living. Education and literacy are key factors in breaking the cycle of poverty and achieving long-term economic stability.
Health Benefits
Improved Health Outcomes:
Literacy leads to better health outcomes. Literate individuals can understand medical instructions, and health information, and make informed health decisions. They are more likely to engage in preventive healthcare measures and manage chronic conditions effectively.
Health Literacy:
Health literacy is the ability to access, understand, and use health information to make informed decisions. It enables individuals to navigate the healthcare system, understand medication labels, follow treatment plans, and maintain overall well-being.
Community and Social Benefits
Community Participation:
Literate individuals are more likely to participate in community activities, vote, and engage in civic duties. They can contribute to community development, advocate for their rights, and take part in decision-making processes.
Social Cohesion:
Literacy promotes social cohesion by enabling better communication and understanding among community members. It helps bridge gaps between different social groups and fosters a sense of unity and cooperation.
Gender Equality: Empowerment of Women
Literacy, particularly among women, leads to greater gender equality and empowerment. Educated women are more likely to participate in the workforce, have better employment opportunities, and achieve economic independence. They are also better equipped to advocate for their rights and the rights of their families.
The Top Ten Activities on World Portuguese Language Day
For more engaging ways to celebrate and promote literacy, check out our article on The Top Ten Activities on World Portuguese Language Day. This piece highlights creative and impactful activities to honor the Portuguese language and its cultural significance.
Conclusion
The study of literacy is essential in the social studies classroom. Students can successfully build their subject-specific knowledge and cross-disciplinary learning abilities with the help of competent literacy skills. For a deeper understanding of both historical and contemporary issues, check out our wiki’s three effective learning techniques.
