This year marks the 50th anniversary of International Literacy Day. The event, held September 8 each year, was established by the United National Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as a way to promote awareness around the issue of illiteracy.

Since its creation in 1966, the day has been celebrated internationally each year. Many organizations, including Phi Kappa Phi, extend the celebration beyond this day to devote the entire month to literacy awareness.

This year, at its half-century mark, the day will honor the past five decades of efforts made to increase literacy rates around the world through innovative solutions.

In honor of International Literacy Day, 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 statistics and facts surrounding illiteracy. To do so, check out the 2016 International Literacy Day infographic created by UNESCO.

And don’t forget to tell us how you are celebrating by using #PKPLovesLiteracy on social media.