Global celebrations mark International Literacy Day   |08 September 2023

 Focus on the power of literacy in a changing world

Today, people from all corners of the globe are coming together to celebrate International Literacy Day – a day dedicated to highlighting the importance of literacy and raising awareness about the challenges that still persist in ensuring universal access to education.

International Literacy Day, established by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) in 1966, has become an annual event that underscores the fundamental role that literacy plays in personal and societal development. This year's theme, ‘Education: A Pathway to Progress’, emphasises the transformative power of literacy in an ever-evolving world.

Despite significant progress in recent years, the world still faces substantial literacy challenges. According to Unesco, approximately 773 million adults and 250 million children worldwide lack basic literacy skills. Furthermore, the Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated these disparities, with millions of students facing disruptions to their education.

Unesco director-general, Audrey Azoulay, reiterated the importance of education as a fundamental right, stating, “Education is not only a fundamental human right but also an essential tool for achieving numerous sustainable development goals (SDGs). Literacy empowers individuals, enhances employability, and contributes to economic and social development.”

This year’s International Literacy Day celebrations also shine a spotlight on innovative approaches to literacy education. From digital literacy programmes to community-based initiatives, there is a growing recognition that addressing literacy challenges requires creative solutions tailored to local contexts.

The digital age has brought both opportunities and challenges to literacy efforts. With the proliferation of smartphones and the internet, technology can be a powerful tool for literacy education. Organisations like Tech Literacy are pioneering efforts to leverage technology in teaching literacy skills, making learning more accessible to diverse populations.

While progress has been made, gender disparities in literacy rates persist in many parts of the world. International Literacy Day reminds us of the need to prioritise education for all, regardless of gender, and to work towards closing the gender literacy gap.

On this International Literacy Day, individuals, governments, and organisations are called to take action. Whether it is volunteering at a local literacy programme, advocating for policy changes, or supporting initiatives that promote literacy, everyone has a role to play in advancing global literacy efforts.

Speaking to Seychelles NATION, the former chairperson of the Seychelles Library Association (Seyla), Marylyn Henrie, emphasised the importance of tailoring literacy initiatives to the specific needs of Seychelles.

She pointed out that understanding the unique challenges and demands faced by Seychelles is crucial in designing effective programmes and making informed decisions.

Highlighting the evolving nature of literacy, Ms Henrie stressed that it extends beyond just reading. While reading is undoubtedly a fundamental aspect, she noted that today's youth may not always be naturally inclined to pick up a book. Instead of simply thrusting them into the world of reading, Ms Henrie advocated for a proactive approach that begins at a very young age. “Make them do things where they are reading, but they are not aware that they are reading, as such. Things like putting letters together, like puzzles and word search. We have a tendency where we wait for the child to start school and that is when we start to teach them to read.”

Starting early, through engaging and innovative methods, can help cultivate an interest in reading among the youth. This approach aligns with the changing preferences and learning styles of the younger generation, ensuring that literacy initiatives remain relevant and effective in Seychelles.

Furthermore, she shed some insight on the need for adaptable and forward-thinking strategies to promote literacy in Seychelles, recognising that literacy is a dynamic concept that can be fostered through diverse means.

Ms Henrie also drew upon her previous experiences, particularly her work in Africa with Seyla, to illustrate the challenges of promoting literacy, especially among children. She highlighted the fact that African children may not always have a natural inclination towards sitting down and reading.

Her observations regarding literacy challenges among sixth-grade children are a stark reminder of the multifaceted issues that educators and communities face. She pointed out that there are students in the sixth grade who struggle with basic literacy skills, to the extent that they cannot even write their own names.

Her insights highlight two critical aspects of this issue. First, the lack of interest in reading and writing from a young age can lead to significant literacy gaps later in a child's education. Early intervention and fostering an interest in literacy are crucial to prevent such disparities.

Secondly, Ms Henrie acknowledged that learning disabilities can also play a role in hindering a child's ability to read and write. She expressed that it is crucial that these children should not be left behind and there should always be something done to accommodate these children. “We are not saying that they can suddenly read a novel but they can at least read an article or something alike,” she concluded.

Sunny Esparon