Did you know that more than 757 million adults and 250 million children in the world cannot read or write?

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 today, we challenge you to join us and other organizations and communities across the globe to raise awareness around the importance of literacy. We also encourage you to educate yourself about the stats and facts surrounding the advancement of literacy. To do so, check out the five new publications and infographic (right) launched by UNESCO in honor of International Literacy Day.

And don’t forget to tell us how you are celebrating International Literacy Day by using #PKPCelebratesLiteracy on social media.