World Book Day 2005
Can you envision a day without any written communication? Think about it. No newspapers, no ‘to do’ lists, no magazines, memos, phone messages or e-mail. Not even any road signs or restaurant menus. Can you imagine a week like this? A year? For the 860 million adults who do not know how to read this sentence, lack of written communication may define their entire lives.
Since 1995 the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has worked to erase that statistic. Through its annual World Book Day, UNESCO illuminates the issue of illiteracy and encourages cooperation between the publishing and educational sectors, promoting the importance of reading for both individuals and society.
World Book Day 2005 marked UNESCO’s latest, and most comprehensive, literacy effort. Included in this year’s reading initiative was the Spread the Word campaign, a program designed specifically to advance adult literacy.
Free Spread the Word postcards were available in libraries, bookstores, coffee shops, magazines and newspapers. UNESCO asked people who enjoy reading to use the postcards to encourage their friends and family members to read, by sending personalized recommendations of their favorite books.
Children, too, play a vital role in promoting literacy. That is the message UNESCO conveyed with their World Book Day Book Tokens. Through the generous support of National Book Tokens Ltd., school children throughout the world received special tokens to exchange at participating bookstores for a book or audio book of their choice. UNESCO recognizes that children’s natural enthusiasm for learning is a key factor in developing a lifelong appreciation for reading.
Since the beginning of written language, people have used writing to define, clarify, influence and preserve their cultural norms and history. Technological evolutions mean more information is communicated in less time, and those who lack basic literacy skills fall further behind. World Book Day is an annual opportunity to close the gap.
Visit my freelance writer website column for more information.
Since 1995 the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has worked to erase that statistic. Through its annual World Book Day, UNESCO illuminates the issue of illiteracy and encourages cooperation between the publishing and educational sectors, promoting the importance of reading for both individuals and society.
World Book Day 2005 marked UNESCO’s latest, and most comprehensive, literacy effort. Included in this year’s reading initiative was the Spread the Word campaign, a program designed specifically to advance adult literacy.
Free Spread the Word postcards were available in libraries, bookstores, coffee shops, magazines and newspapers. UNESCO asked people who enjoy reading to use the postcards to encourage their friends and family members to read, by sending personalized recommendations of their favorite books.
Children, too, play a vital role in promoting literacy. That is the message UNESCO conveyed with their World Book Day Book Tokens. Through the generous support of National Book Tokens Ltd., school children throughout the world received special tokens to exchange at participating bookstores for a book or audio book of their choice. UNESCO recognizes that children’s natural enthusiasm for learning is a key factor in developing a lifelong appreciation for reading.
Since the beginning of written language, people have used writing to define, clarify, influence and preserve their cultural norms and history. Technological evolutions mean more information is communicated in less time, and those who lack basic literacy skills fall further behind. World Book Day is an annual opportunity to close the gap.
Visit my freelance writer website column for more information.
posted by Sally Bacchetta at
11:52 AM
1 Comments:
Sally,
I can envision a day without any written communication. I didn't like it, and it was a week. When you go to a foreign country and don’t read the language it is a really strange feeling. In most countries people speak English so verbal communication is available. But not being able to read signs . . . etc. It was just a very small insight into what it must feel like to be illiterate. Something all of us who are literate-take very much for granted, I believe. So I am very thankful to be able to read your post.
Nina
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Nina, at 12:51 PM
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