International Literacy Day

Sept. 8 is International Literacy Day (ILD). The annual “holiday” was established by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) back in 1965. The annual event raises awareness about literacy issues around the world.

Not only is literacy an essential human right, it is a valuable means of communication, personal empowerment and serves as a foundation for learning. Literacy is a tool that not only helps to improves economic status, but helps ensure gender equality, helps eradicate poverty and helps reduce the rate of infant mortality. According to UNESCO, more than 770 million adults lack basicreading and writing skills - and 64 percent are women.

Imagine not being able to read a letter from a loved one, read the latest breaking news, job description or tweet or text message. Imagine not be able to sign your own name on a legal document. Reading really is fundamental.