International Literacy Day


September 8 was proclaimed International Literacy Day by UNESCO on November 17, 1965. Its aim is to highlight the importance of literacy to individuals, communities and societies.

2016 marks the 50th anniversary of the International Literacy Day under the banner Reading the Past, Writing the Future.

The world has changed since 1966 – but our determination to provide every woman and man with the skills, capacities and opportunities to become everything they wish, in dignity and respect, remains as firm as ever. Literacy is a foundation to build a more sustainable future for all. UNESCO Director-General

Literacy is a human right and the basis for lifelong learning. It empowers individuals, families and communities and improves their quality of life. Because of its “multiplier effect”, literacy helps eradicate poverty, reduce child mortality, curb population growth, achieve gender equality and ensure sustainable development, peace and democracy.

In today’s rapidly-changing, knowledge based societies where social and political participation takes place both physically and virtually, acquisition of basic literacy skills and the advancement and application of such skills throughout life is crucial.

UNESCO has been at the forefront of global literacy efforts since its foundation in 1946. UNESCO’s policy today is to support the promotion of literacy and literate environments as an integral part of lifelong learning and to keep literacy high on national and international agenda.

Homelessness has an impact on children's literacy experiences, understandings, and background knowledge and that’s why Child Restoration Outreach (CRO -Uganda) contributes towards the prevention, rehabilitation, education and resettlement of street children and empowerment of their families in order for them to become productive and self-reliant.

CRO assists street children to get rehabilitated, educated and reintegrated within their extended family lines as a long-term strategy. This has proved to be a “good practice” for the street children because the children have to take their own decisions to quit the streets. This usually has a lasting impact on the street children as they eventually transform into knowledgeable, skilled and productive persons living respectable life in society.

CRO Country Office

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