Did you know that International Literacy Day was recently celebrated around the globe? Interestingly, this year’s theme worked closely with the changing world we live in, focusing on literacy in a digital world. How appropriate, right? Our world has changed so much over the past few years with the way digital influences are driving the way we interact with one another, communicate news and other information and even the way we learn to read. Here’s a take on literacy in a digital world from Unesco, the worldwide sponsor of International Literacy Day:
At record speed, digital technologies are fundamentally changing the way people live, work, learn and socialise everywhere. They are giving new possibilities to people to improve all areas of their lives including access to information; knowledge management; networking; social services; industrial production, and mode of work. However, those who lack access to digital technologies and the knowledge, skills and competencies required to navigate them, can end up marginalised in increasingly digitally driven societies. Literacy is one such essential skill.
Making International Literacy a Daily Effort
It’s so true. Imagine if you did not have access to a smartphone, computer, tablet or the like – you’d have so much less access to the news, information and even opportunities to read publications like Loren’s World. We really do live in a digital world. According to Unesco, “despite progress, at least 750 million adults and 264 million out-of-school children still lack basic literacy skills.” Those are some shocking numbers. So how can we help?
Here’s a look at ways you can help instill literacy and literacy education in your own family and community:
-Get your children to the library. Spend one hour a week at the library, just reading.
-Make an investment in a newspaper or magazine subscription for your family. Spend time every weekend reading together. Maybe over Sunday breakfast? Sounds lovely, right?
-Donate books to local book drives.
-Volunteer at a local school to spend time helping kids to read or reading to kids.
-Allow your children some time each week to learn to read via digital apps or games.
-Have a special spot at home that’s just for books and reading.
-Volunteer at your local public library or community center for events focused on reading.
-Take your children to local museums and work with them to read as many informational signs as possible. Same goes for the movies, the mall, restaurants – challenge them to read!
-Spend time reading for yourself every day.
-Donate to the World Literacy Foundation or local groups that help promote education.
It’s easy to forget how important the skill of reading and knowing how to read can be and if you know anyone struggling with this, it’s important to help provide some resources. When it comes down to it, every day should really be International Literacy Day – it’s one of the most important skills we can learn.
Take a look at the World Literacy Foundation for more.
