By Lois Otse Adams
When I was a child I learnt most literature terms from my dear Father in his blessed memory. A man whose literary knowledge grew higher as he approached his last days on Earth.
Most of my smart personality, intelligence and integrity are products of what my Father taught me, the literary virtues he instilled in me; as I went further in school and till date I live to be one of the strongest and outstanding amongst my contemporaries which have been proven on several occasions, through the display of skills.
In my view, being literate is not going through school but being empowered in literature. A literature enthusiast is the strongest man and woman nature has to offer and being inclined with literature has made me acquire much skills which are some of the driving forces that have brought me this far.
With all of this been my motto for so many years, I support the UNESCO International Literacy Day and have taken it upon myself to educate young people in school on the need to be skillful and literate. The best part been that I source this effort with my hard earned generated revenue gotten through most of my literary works instead of certificates.
Today marks the International Literacy Day held every 8th day of September. A very unique day set aside to celebrate and educate the public that “Literacy is not just about school education, but it is a unique and powerful tool to eradicate poverty and a strong means for social and human progress.”
International Literacy Day designated by UNESCO in 1967, is an annual awareness day which marks the importance of literacy to all countries and cultures across the globe.
This year’s edition focuses on Literacy teaching and learning in the COVID-19 crisis and beyond, with a further focus on the role of educators and changing teaching practices. This year’s theme is more relevant than ever to teachers and it shows the challenges that teaching literacy has faced due to the COVID-19 with further approaches to adapt in ensuring continuity in the teaching of literacy.
For many years, UNESCO has stood to build peace through international cooperation in Education, Science and Culture.
It is a special day for many well-known writers, authors, creative personalities, cultural and educational based Organizations like the Association of Nigerian Authors, Authors in School Creative Club, Abuja Writers Forum etc, to play a part in supporting the event to celebrate the importance of learning about literature, language and culture of consistency.
According to UNESCO, “over 775 million adults struggle with basic literacy, and two-third of this figure are women.” Celebrating International Literacy Day (ILD) is a brilliant way of raising awareness of the value of literacy as well as encouraging children and adults to develop their literacy skills.
If is most important to discuss literacy this year since thousands of schools were closed globally and many adult literacy courses and classes also had to be suspended during the COVID-19 crisis. This is because it is uncertain what the impact of this year’s economic challenge will have on literacy in the long term; but the only sure thing is that a spotlight on literacy skills is always opened and it is the duty of successful literates to encourage children and adults to develop and explore their skills for a peaceful society.
In commemoration of this days’ literacy event, enthusiasts all over the world gather children with a focus on writing, reading skills and creativity in general.
I cannot imagine what life could have been for me without the privilege of being literate through my Father, I am happy and privileged to be one of those who have the ability to read and write, and I feel so lucky that I was literally empowered to reciprocate to children and adults in terms of their education, career prospects and other pursuits.
Therefore, on this day, I urge every child and adult alike, to review their favourite works, do a creative writing task, or read and review a story written by others, some could design their own book covers or bookmarks or develop their favourite genres of styles.
For the top literary enthusiasts, I trust you will do the needful with the UNESCO annual rituals by taking part in a fund-raising event like a bookish bake-off for a literacy charity, or donate books; this would be a great way to get children involved in helping others.
Join us today, at the Zoe Hall of Zeus Paradise Hotel, Mabushi, besides Setraco, at 10:00am as we celebrate the World UNESCO International Literacy Day 2021, to experience the love of being literate.
Together We Shall Build The Nigeria of Our Dream and the World we Desire to Live.
