It's estimated that nearly 800 million adults worldwide lack basic literacy skills despite living in an age of information and technology.

International Literacy Day aims to highlight the importance and value of literary education for individuals and groups, as well as provide benefits for the broader global culture.

Research reveals that the ability for people to read and write directly connects to reduced poverty, improved socio-economic status, reduced population growth, minimised child and maternal mortality rates, and balancing out gender and equality.

Many countries and governments all over the world believe that the increase in literacy rates in children will have a direct impact on their future welfare. A simple example would be the ability to read a street sign or a map, fill out forms, read the news and learn information that has relevance to people's ability to succeed and overcome life obstacles. 

In 1966, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) proclaimed this day as International Literacy Day, sometimes called World Literacy Day. It is to remind people all over the world that the ability to read and write should not be taken for granted. It is especially relevant for underdeveloped, under-privileged or at-risk people – even in the developed world. Helping to raise literacy rates will ultimately change lives.

You can celebrate International Literacy Day in these ways: collect books to donate, make a donation to a literacy charity, tutor a student in reading and writing, partner with a literacy organisation, volunteer for an event, or even just read a book or visit the local library!