September 8 is International Literacy Day

What Is Literacy? Traditionally, literacy is defined as a person's ability to read and write. It can also include functional abilities, like using a computer, understanding how to prevent certain diseases, or reading signs in a market.

Literacy is important because it empowers people and is essential for community development. Literate populations are more likely to:
n Develop economically
n Live healthier lives
n Be more peaceful

The Global Situation:
n Nearly 800 million people worldwide over the age of 15 can neither read nor write.
n Women and girls account for about 64 percent of this group.
n Nearly half of all children in Africa will not complete secondary school.

Rotary Supports Literacy - Whether donating dictionaries, building schools, or acting as tutors, Rotarians are active in efforts to reduce illiteracy around the world.

Rotarian Literacy Projects - Each year, Rotarians carry out thousands of projects to
n Expand and improve early childhood literacy and education programs for both boys and girls
n Improve the ability of teachers to teach and empower schools to meet the needs of students in the community
n Increase access to adult learning programs for both men and women
n Reduce barriers to literacy
n Promote positive community environments for literacy

Cooperating for Literacy in Your Community 
n Discuss literacy issues with Reading Association members in your community.
n Ask Reading Association members to speak about literacy at your club.
n Plan a joint literacy project with your local Reading Association.
n Celebrate International Literacy Day, 8 September, with a local Reading Association.

Key Literacy Dates:    n March - Literacy Month       n September 8 -International Literacy Day