SWIFT CURRENT, SK – Great Plains College, in partnership with Southwest Literacy Committee, will be celebrating International Literacy Day (ILD) on September 8. ILD has been celebrated around the world since 1967 to raise awareness of the importance of literacy as a matter of dignity and human rights and to advance the literacy agenda toward a more literate, equitable and sustainable society.
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has declared “Promoting literacy for a world in transition: Building the foundation for sustainable and peaceful societies” as the 2023 theme for ILD. The theme was chosen to reflect UNESCO’s focus on role of educators and changing teaching practices throughout the COVID-19 crisis and beyond.
“This year’s theme is reflective of the current reality, where we’re seeing a big shift in how learning is happening, inside and outside of the classroom. The importance of digital literacy continues to grow, which is also creating greater inequities in learning opportunities for many people,” said Bula Ghosh, Southwest Literacy Committee member and literacy coordinator at Great Plains College.
While access to internet and varying learning spaces continues to be a challenge in many countries and communities, Southwest Literacy Committee remains committed to promoting literacy in any way possible. Literacy is the foundation for building proficiency in reading, writing, numeracy and digital skills, which contributes directly to building healthy and productive communities and economies.
“Literacy, including access to learning in all spaces, empowers people, increases their wellbeing and enables them to participate fully in society,” added Ghosh. “Great Plains College works year-round to promote literacy and lifelong learning through the Adult Basic Education and English Language Training programs in particular.
The Southwest Literacy Committee and its members offer family literacy, early years literacy and post-secondary programs to promote literacy throughout the southwest. Efforts include literacy kits that are prepared and provided to families with children aged 0-5 to establish a love for learning and reading at an early age; literacy and skills development programs, including computer skills training, provided through the Swift Current Branch Library; and the Kids First program in partnership with the Family Resource Centre using the “Play Mobile” to travel to rural communities to reach families that wouldn’t otherwise have access to resources and literacy programs.
Great Plains College will be celebrating ILD in different ways to create awareness and understanding about this important day. The City of Swift Current has proclaimed September 3-9, 2023 as International Literacy Week.
“We are pleased that the City of Swift Current has once again proclaimed International Literacy Week in our community,” added Ghosh. “We want to encourage other individuals and community agencies to participate in their own special way to encourage literacy skills development and to explore learning in non-traditional ways.”
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For more information contact:
Amy Masse, manager of marketing and communications
Phone: (306) 737-610
Email