International Literacy Day is celebrated Sept. 8 every year in an effort to provide quality education to all. The first-ever International Literacy Day was declared at the 14th session of UNESCO’s general conference in 1966.

According to the United Nations, this year the theme focuses on “literacy teaching and learning in the COVID-19 crisis and beyond,” especially on the role of educators and changing pedagogies.

Recent consensus says that about 775 million people lack the minimum education that is required to be literate and, of those, 60.7 million are children who are out of school or are rare attendees.

Here are some quotes about reading and learning:

1. “There is no such thing as a child who hates to read; there are only children who have not found the right book.” ― Frank Serafini

2. “The man who does not read has no advantage over the man who cannot read.”
― Mark Twain

3. “Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.” ― Frederick Douglass

4. “Learning to read is probably the most difficult and revolutionary thing that happens to the human brain and if you don't believe that, watch an illiterate adult try to do it.” ― John Steinbeck

5. “When you learn to read you will be born again...and you will never be quite so alone again.” ― Rumer Godden

6. “With words at your disposal, you can see more clearly. Finding the words is another step in learning to see.” ― Robin Kimmerer

7. “Literacy isn't just about reading, writing, and comprehension. It's about culture, professionalism, and social outlook.” ― Taylor Ellwood, Pop Culture Magick

8. “Reading, literacy and learning are fundamentally important to establishing strong and stable democracies. Visit your local public library and expand your mind.” ― Jennifer Ritchie Payette

9. “Want to fix it all? Save the world? Change the system? Ensure progress? Get books into the hands of kids... and your work will be done.” ― Peter van der Walt

10. “Literacy is a right, not a privilege.” ― Story Shares

Classroom
A classroom is pictured. Pixabay
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