Happy World Literacy Day

Did you know September 8 was proclaimed International Literacy Day by UNESCO on November 17, 1965. It was first celebrated in 1966. Its aim is to highlight the importance of literacy to individuals, communities and societies. On International Literacy Day each year, UNESCO reminds the international community of the status of literacy and adult learning globally. All UN member states are ment to observe it. 

The theme of the 2011-2012 celebrations is “Literacy and Peace”.

Not sure if Zimbabwe or Harare have marked the day in any way. But we are. Harare City Library are hoping to run a small book campaign for the children's section at Mount Pleasant Branch. The committee will bea approaching schools and other local organisations for a 'bring a book' day at schools and offices. 

To help take a positive step towards supporting literacy we are organising 'book weeding' of the children's section at Mount Pleasant Library on Tuesday 11th September. We met today to plan it. There is just not enough staff capacity in the library (no revenue and no grant-in-aid from Government to pay for qualified staff) to handle this or to deploy available resources adequately to provide regular shelf support across the library. The Management Committee is stepping in to lend a helping hand. It takes experience, logic and a really good understanding of the children's books to be able to categorise them. If you don't read them it is going to be a challenge. I can't wait and have taken a day away from work to help do this with some friends and fellow volunteers. 

  Education brings sustainability to all the development goals, and literacy is the foundation of all learning. It provides individuals with the skills to understand the world and shape it, to participate in democratic processes and have a voice, and also to strengthen their cultural identity.    

Irina Bokova, UNESCO Director General