National Adult Literacy Database

Government ministers in the Atlantic region responsible for adult literacy are continuing their commitment to that cause. On the occasion of International Literacy Day September 8, they launched a series of posters highlighting literacy champions from the four Atlantic provinces. The posters recognize the importance of strong literacy skills to individuals, communities, economies and societies.

"With the UN’s End-Of-Decade Assessment, we expect to have a clearer understanding of the literacy needs around the world, and therefore the ability to target them more effectively. Though the UN will move on to new prerogatives, the emerging post-Decade Literacy Vision and Action Plan suggests that this is not the end, but rather the start of a more capable response from the literacy community."

In celebration of International Literacy Day 2012, Global Literacy Professional Development Network (www.glpdn.net) and IRA’s Global Operations Unit released A Practical Guide to Action Research for Literacy Educators.

“Ministers of education are pleased to add their voice to the global call for greater literacy for all peoples,” said Ramona Jennex, Chair of CMEC and Minister of Education for Nova Scotia. “We recognize that literacy is one of the pillars of an open and democratic, economically strong, and socially inclusive society.”

Jessica Hjarrand is a UNESCO literacy specialist who works to implement literacy programs that help children and adults enjoy the basic human right of learning how to read and write. This is her story.

In British Columbia, the importance of literacy as a foundational skill is recognized year-round through the efforts of literacy programs for people of all ages in communities all across the province. On September 8, Decoda Literacy Solutions would like to acknowledge the tremendous value that these programs bring to British Columbia.

International Literacy Day, traditionally observed annually on September 8, focuses attention on worldwide literacy needs. More than 780 million of the world’s adults (nearly two-thirds of whom are women) do not know how to read or write, and between 94 and 115 million children lack access to education.

The roundtable is an interactive forum for over 40 countries facing literacy challenges, including the 36 countries of UNESCO’s Literacy Initiative for Empowerment (LIFE). It will also mark International Literacy Day, celebrated globally on September 8 each year, and feed into the final evaluation process of the United Nations Literacy Decade (2003-2012).

CLO hopes that “Literacy: Why It Matters” will be a useful tool for its members, partners, community stakeholders and service deliverers, governments and the general public. You are welcome to use and share his resource in ways that are helpful to you and your community.

On September 8, 2012, book lovers and literary enthusiasts worldwide will be celebrating International Literacy Day to raise awareness of literacy issues across the globe. From the potential closure of your local library to the desperate shortage of good quality, relevant books in sub-Saharan Africa, literacy is an issue that affects us all.

The theme of International Literacy Day 2012 is Literacy and Peace. This theme was adopted by the United Nations Literacy Decade (UNLD) to demonstrate the multiple uses and value that literacy brings to people.