International Literacy Day 2024: History, Theme & Slogan 

World Literacy Day Slogan 2024  “Empower Minds, Change Lives: Celebrate World Literacy Day!” 

When we are educated, we are illuminated and not kept in the dark.  

Since 1967, we have celebrated International Literacy Day to remind everyone—public, organizations, and policymakers—of the importance of literacy in creating a world filled with compassion, peace, and change-makers.

Literacy is the birthright of humans and it opens doors for people to enjoy their rights, freedom and citizenship. When one is literate it builds a harmonious living and understanding among humans from all communities, religions, ethnicities and nations.  

It was seen that during the year 2022, one out of seven adults of 15 years and above lacked basic literacy skills.  

Every year, the international literacy day is celebrated to raise awareness about literacy and its importance to the world.  

The international literacy day theme in 2024 is “Promoting Multilingual Education: Literacy for Mutual Understanding and Peace.” 

Every year, International Literacy Day focuses on different themes related to education and literacy to encourage individuals, organisations, and governments to find initiatives to increase the level of learning through various programs, activities, etc. This is the day to remind us of the ongoing need for policies and resources to be provided to people to acquire the basic skills of reading and writing. 

What is International Literacy Day? 

The International Literacy Day is celebrated on September 8 every year since 1967.

We observe International Literacy Day to raise global awareness about the value of literacy education and its potential to impact not only individuals but also communities, nations, and the world. UNESCO declared it on 26 October 1966 at the 14th session of its General Conference, and it was first celebrated in 1967.

This international literacy day 2024 let’s take time to create awareness as literate citizens and students to those around us who need to hear it and why it is important to be literate. 

International Literacy Day quotes 

Here’s some of the World Literacy Day quotes: 

• Education is the most powerful weapon with which you can change the world. ~Nelson Mandela 

• Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever. ~Gandhi 

• Let us remember: One book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world. ~Malala Yousafzi 

International Literacy Day Celebrations 2024 

This is the day when it will be an opportunity to show the literacy agenda in Cameroon and Africa in the context of the African Union’s Year of Education and beyond.  

There will be a global celebration held on the 9-10th of September 2024 in Yaoundé, Cameroon. It will include: 

• Global Conference. 

• Award ceremony of the UNESCO International Literacy Prizes. 

• Annual meeting of the Global Alliance of Literacy within the Framework of Lifelong Learning (GAL). 

• Meetings of the Action Research on Measuring Literacy and Alternative Education (RAMAED). 

What is the purpose of World Literacy Day?  

It raises awareness of the history and significance of literacy. It also recognises the contributions and impacts the community has made in improving world issues, such as promoting peace and harmony.  

World Literacy Day Activities and Programs 

There are different activities and initiatives carried out in different parts of the world to show the importance of this day for humankind. Let’s take a look at the international literacy day activities and initiatives by universities.  

United Kingdom 

• Top universities like Oxford University and Cambridge University usually organise workshops and seminars focusing on literacy challenges and discussions in developing countries.  

• They also have these reading initiatives to encourage reading through outreach programs to encourage children and elderly people.  

• Universities host public lectures featuring renowned educators, authors, and experts discussing the sensitivity and importance of these subjects in today’s world.

United States 

• The top universities like Harvard University, Stanford University and New York University try to collaborate with local schools to organise reading programs, book donations and even give tutoring.  

• They research literacy rates, challenges, and ways to improve them in marginalized communities.

• Community events are held such as:  book fairs, storytelling, discussions, and author meet and greets to engage the public with the university.  

Australia 

• The top universities like the University of Sydney, University of Melbourne, and University of Queensland often conduct workshops focusing on digital literacy, language learning and writing.  

• They also work on special initiatives for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, promoting culturally relevant educational resources. 

Canada 

• Top universities such as the University of Toronto, McGill University usually work with NGOs, and local libraries through many initiatives and programs in underprivileged areas.  

• Some of these and many other universities in Canada may launch campaigns advocating for government policies that support literacy and education, often culminating in a series of public events on campus. 

• They also host many workshops for people who are new to the country such as immigrants and refugees by helping them learn the language and the education system of Canada.  

Reminder  

If you are a student, this is one of the best ways to contribute your knowledge by helping those around you who are not literate. Try to raise awareness and be a changemaker for the world to come. We need to world to be as one and equal. They need guidance, support and kind people who can teach and show them the light of life. They deserve a better life. We should all be grateful that we are in the light and not kept in darkness. Be that light the world needs more than ever!  

Let’s strive to make the world a better place through small initiatives, i.e., by creating awareness, helping and sharing our knowledge and skills with those who are in need!