International Literacy Day was celebrated Across the Globe

8 September 2013:International Literacy Day

International Literacy Day was held on 8 September 2013. International Literacy Day was designated by UNESCO on 17 November 1965. This day was first celebrated on 8 September 1966. International Literacy day is observed every year on 8 September to raise people's awareness and concern for literacy issues in the world. It aims to highlight the importance of literacy to individuals, communities, societies and reminds the international community of the status of literacy and adult learning globally.

According to UNESCO, about 774 million adults lack the minimum literacy skills. One in five adults is still not literate and two-thirds of them are women. About 75 million children are out-of-school and many more attend irregularly or drop out.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and its partners promote the day to underscore the significance of literacy for healthy societies, with a strong emphasis on epidemics and communicable diseases such as HIV, tuberculosis and malaria.

Across the globe, including the USA and the United Kingdom, the day raises people's awareness of and concern for literacy problems within their own communities. The major activities include literacy day projects, particularly with regard to technology and literature, which are promoted by various organizations including reading associations.