International Literacy Day
International Literacy Day, traditionally observed annually on September 8, focuses attention on worldwide literacy needs. More than 780 million of the world’s adults (nearly two-thirds of whom are women) do not know how to read or write, and between 94 and 115 million children lack access to education.
IRA’s 2013 celebration of International Literacy Day will be in Washington, DC on Monday afternoon, September 9, 2013. (September 8, the official International Literacy Day, falls on a Sunday.) The topic is:
Career Ready Reading:
What Employers Need from Schools and How We Can Work Together
Please join us if you happen to be in Washington, DC. Details to follow.
Literacy Award: The Rotary International/Pearson Foundation/IRA $2500 award to two literacy projects of excellence has been renewed and will be awarded in 2014. Literacy projects jointly undertaken by a Rotary club and an IRA council or affiliate are eligible. Details to follow.
In past years IRA councils and individual members have found a variety of ways to observe International Literacy Day, from organizing themed readings in local schools and libraries to supporting national and international literacy programs. All year round, councils are invited to contact their local Rotary clubs to explore ways they can work together in support of literacy. See the Rotary-IRA Special Interest Group page for ideas on literacy projects.
ILD Kit: Fact Sheets, Celebration Ideas