Promotion of Literacy In An Evolving World As Foundation for Peaceful Societies

Oluchi Chibuzor

In our swiftly changing world, where technology continually evolves, adopting a digitalized approach to literacy promotion has become imperative.

From understanding news and current events to the completion of basic everyday tasks, the ability to read and write is more crucial than ever.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) , during its 14th Session in November 1966, formally designated September 8th as International Literacy Day (ILD).

Since then, the majority of member countries of the UN have observed this day each year and at its core, the observance of ILD aims to reinforce public opinion in support of the ongoing endeavours against illiteracy.

Speaking ahead of today’s celebration, the Head of Operations, ALFA Reading Society, Yetunde Daramola, said in a world that is increasingly transitioning and changing at an alarming rate, it is becoming difficult for individuals to keep up with the latest trends in literacy.

According to Daramola, as today is celebrated as, ILD it would bring to fore the need for the country to deepen its efforts towards ensuring more awareness on literacy.

“The AIFA Reading Society, a Non-government Organisation in Nigeria, whose primary goal is to promote literacy and foster a reading culture in the society, devised unique digital strategies to achieve its goals beyond the traditional methods of learning.

“The Society is championing the cause of literacy and reading through its AIFA On-Air Book Club on Instagram, Volunteer Teaching Scheme where Pupils are taught the rudiments of literacy, Virtual and Physical Book Clubs, Book Donations to facilitate learning, Essay Competition, amongst others,” Daramola said.

Daramola noted that this exploration of means in the promotion of literacy was borne out of the understanding of literacy as an essential tool for creating and maintaining sustainable and peaceful societies across the world.

According to him, “Numerous studies and research have identified the positive relationship between literacy and socio-economic advancement.It has been clearly demonstrated that individuals with higher levels of literacy are more likely to participate in the labour force to earn more money and to enjoy a higher standard of living.”

Coupled with this are the challenges of inadequate resources in developing nations, which has increased the difficulty of teaching an ever-evolving set of literacy skills.

The prevalence of digital technology, as well as the impact of globalization, is also making it more difficult to promote literacy, as traditional approaches are becoming outdated.

In addition to this is the widening digital gap, as everyone does not have equal access to tools necessary for literacy.

Nonetheless, ignoring technology in the promotion of literacy would be synonymous to throwing away the baby with the bath water.

This is because there are helpful approaches that are being used in promoting literacy in the face of rapid and constantly changing technological advances.

These include the use of online educational platforms, the utilization of social media, the development of innovative solutions to bridge the digital divide and the implementation of effective literacy campaigns.

There is also the need to explore the emerging trends in technology for the furtherance of promotion of literacy.

There is the place of artificial intelligence, exploration of various educational tools for acquiring literacy, the potential of gamification in engaging students and conscious provision of access to digital resources to students and the general public, implementation of library programs and offering of incentives for students’ participation.

In the light of the transition in the economic system of the world, public and private organisations should prioritise the subject of literacy due to its great impact on national development.

As a key stakeholder, AIFA Reading Society celebrates ILD and sees this as a building block for foundation of a peaceful
societies which is in line with the theme for this year’s celebration “‘Promoting literacy for a world in transition: Building the foundation for sustainable and peaceful societies’.

Furthermore, literacy can impact positively on social values, with those with higher levels of literacy more likely to demonstrate attitudes of cooperation, empathy and tolerance towards others.

For the Programme Coordinator,
AIFA Reading Society, Ijeoma Ezenwere, is of high importance for governments, international organisations and institutions to continue to invest in promoting literacy amongst individuals.

Ezenwere stressed that this entails taking steps like providing access to educational resources that extend beyond traditional pen-and-paper methods.

The Programme Coordinator also noted that in today’s age of technological advancement, the use of electronic learning materials is indispensable for fostering literacy in our society.

According to Ezenwere, “Additionally, it involves the establishment of teacher-training initiatives in developing nations and offering both financial and moral support to individuals actively striving for literacy. By undertaking these actions, societies can lay a more robust foundation for enduring peace and economic stability while adapting to the changing times.”