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September 8th • Rights & Education

International Literacy Day

Declared by UNESCO in 1966, this day reminds us that literacy is a matter of dignity and a fundamental human right. In a world of digital complexity, being able to read and write is the key to unlocking opportunities, health, and economic independence. Today, we debate the reading gap between nations, the evolution of reading in a video-obsessed world, and how illiteracy traps families in a cycle of poverty.

A library or stack of books symbolising literacy

Speaking Discussion

  • How would navigating your city today be different if you were completely unable to read any signs or instructions?
  • In your opinion, is reading digital text on a smartphone as beneficial for the brain as reading a physical book?
  • Why do you think some countries still struggle to provide basic reading education to adults? Is it a lack of money or a lack of will?
  • How does illiteracy contribute to the cycle of poverty within a family across multiple generations?
  • Should the internet be considered a human right, since so much of our literacy is now digital?
  • What is the most difficult or impressive book you have ever read from start to finish?

Activity 1: The liferacy Project

The Task: You have been asked to design a Mobile Library that travels to rural areas where there are no schools.

What books or tools will you include to help people learn as fast as possible?

Activity 2: Rapid Fire Sentences

Complete the sentence and justify it in 20 seconds.

  • "Reading a real book is better than a screen because..."
  • "The most important thing for a child to learn is..."
  • "In my opinion, the future of education will be..."