September 8 is International Literacy Day.
The world has over seven billion humans.
7,000,000,000
Over 1,000,000,000 of them are illiterate.
Over 600,000,000 of those are women, or over 2/3 of them.
The United Nations states:
Literacy is a fundamental human right and the foundation for lifelong learning. It is fully essential to social and human development in its ability to transform lives. For individuals, families, and societies alike, it is an instrument of empowerment to improve one’s health, one’s income, and one’s relationship with the world.
The uses of literacy for the exchange of knowledge are constantly evolving, along with advances in technology. From the Internet to text messaging, the ever-wider availability of communication makes for greater social and political participation. A literate community is a dynamic community, one that exchanges ideas and engages in debate. Illiteracy, however, is an obstacle to a better quality of life, and can even breed exclusion and violence.
If you don't believe this, here are the ten most illiterate countries:
1. Niger
2. Burkina Faso
3. Afghanistan
4. Sierra Leone
5. Gambia
6. Guinea- Bissau
7. Senegal
8. Benin
9. Ethiopia
10. Mauritania
The world needs to make education a priority as well as what's needed for a child to learn best; clean water, healthy food and shelter.
