Across Canada, kids head back to school today, something many of us probably take for granted. To put it in perspective, today is also International Literacy Day.
According to UNESCO, 757 million adults and 115 million youths around the world lack basic reading and writing skills. Women account for two-thirds of all illiterate adults (63%) and young women make up 59% of the 115 million illiterate youth.
http://www.unesco.org/new/fileadmin/MULTIMEDIA/HQ/ED/pdf/ILD2015-Literacyfacts1.pdf
Sadly, illiteracy is also a problem in Canada. According to the Canadian Literacy and Learning Network 42% of Canadians between the ages of 16 and 65 have low literacy skills, 55% of working age adults in Canada are estimated to have less than adequate health literacy skills, including 88% of adults over the age of 65.
To help children in North America, the amazing organization First Book Canada has distributed more than 100 million books and educational resources to programs and schools serving children from low-income families across North America.
You can help people right here at home by either making a donation or by volunteering: firstbookcanada.org. What better way to celebrate back to school?
Tell us: What was your favourite children’s book growing up? Mine was Anne of Green Gables until I discovered Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings. Share yours in the comments below or on Twitter or Facebook!
Posted by: Reni