NAN-ELS-2
Literacy
Abuja, Sept. 8, 2017 (NAN) Ms Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO said on Friday that 750 million adults in the world, still lack the most basic literacy skills.
Bokova made this known during a press briefing to mark this year’s World Literacy Day (WLD) in Abuja with the theme titled: “Literacy in a Digital World.”
“Worldwide, 750 million adults today still lack even the basic literacy skills; some 264 million children and youths are not benefiting from school education.
“However, digital technologies permeate all spheres of our lives, fundamentally shaping how we live, work, learn and socialise.
“These new technologies are opening vast new opportunities to improve our lives and connect globally, but they can also marginalise those who lack the essential skills, like literacy, needed to navigate them.
“Digitally-mediated knowledge societies are changing what it means to be literate, calling for new and higher level literacy skills. At the same time technology can work to improve literacy development,’’ she said.
She however called for collective action and partnership between governments, civil society and the private sector adding “they are essential to the promotion of literacy in the digital world.’’
Bokova noted that global alliance for literacy within a lifelong learning framework as a model of the concerted efforts needed to advance the global agenda and support national literacy initiatives.
She stressed that celebrating the day offers moment to review the progress and coming together to tackle the challenges ahead.
“This year, the event is devoted to better understanding the type of literacy required in a digital world to build more inclusive, equitable and sustainable societies.
“Everyone should be able to make the most of the benefit of the new digital age, for human rights, dialogue and exchange for more sustainable development,’’ Bokova said.
Bokova was represented by Mrs Irene Mbanefo the president of Reading Association of Nigeria (RAN).
New Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Sept. 8 was declared International Literacy Day by UNESCO on Nov. 17, 1965.
It is celebrated annually and aimed at highlighting the importance of literacy to individuals, communities and societies. (NAN)
CMY/EAL/EAL
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Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi