International Literacy Day highlights the importance of literacy in areas such as health and education

Date: 8 Sep 1966
Updated: 30 Sep 2019

International literacy Day was first celebrated in 1966. This day is meant to raise awareness in countries all over the world about the high levels of illiteracy. Projects and activities that promote literacy are planned and carried out all over the world on this day. According to UNESCO, “a literate person is one who can, with understanding, both read and write a short statement relevant to routine life, and capable of analytical understanding of men’s condition in the world.”

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How we know this

01MontBlanc, 2009. ‘South Africa Celebrates World Literacy Day ;from UNICEF South Africa[online]. Available at www.unicef.org[Accessed 25 July 2011]
02Altius Directory, 2011.‘International Literacy Day 2011’ from Altius Directory: Exploring Heights [online] Available at www.altiusdirectory.com [Accessed 25 July 2011]

Last updated · 30 Sep 2019

Cite this entry

South African History Online. (2011, August 31). International Literacy Day highlights the importance of literacy in areas such as health and education. South African History Online. https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0068052

South African History Online (2011) 'International Literacy Day highlights the importance of literacy in areas such as health and education', South African History Online, 31 August. Available at: https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0068052 (Accessed: 26 September 2026).

South African History Online, International Literacy Day highlights the importance of literacy in areas such as health and education [website], https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0068052, (accessed 26 September 2026).

"International Literacy Day highlights the importance of literacy in areas such as health and education." South African History Online, 31 Aug. 2011, https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0068052. Accessed 26 Sept. 2026.

South African History Online. "International Literacy Day highlights the importance of literacy in areas such as health and education." South African History Online. August 31, 2011. https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0068052.