Thursday, September 5, 2013

Did you know that more than 795 million people in the world today cannot read or write? That’s one out of every five adults including roughly 123 million children. As a way to promote awareness around the issue of illiteracy, the United National Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) created International Literacy Day in 1965. Since then, the day has been celebrated internationally on September 8 each year.

Many organizations, including Phi Kappa Phi, extend the celebration beyond September 8 and devote the entire month to literacy awareness.

In honor of International Literacy Day (this Sunday!), here are some ways you can celebrate literacy on your campus and in your community.

1. Educate yourself. Watch an interactive video about global illiteracy and check out the 2013 UNESCO International Literacy Day infographic.
2. Spread the word. Even if it’s just a Facebook post or tweet, spread the word about the issue of illiteracy and encourage your friends to do the same on International Literacy Day.
3. Host an event. Consider gathering a group of members from your chapter to read books at a local school in your community. Or, donate those old books on your bookshelf to your local library.
4. Celebrate year-round. Even though International Literacy Day is one day a year, make it a priority to do something—big or small—to encourage literacy in your community throughout the year.

Tell us how you plan to celebrate International Literacy Day with photos and posts on Facebook and Twitter using the hashtag #PKPIntlLiteracyDay.