Literacy is generally defined as the ability of a person to read and write at least one language and have accurate comprehension skills. Fundamentally, if an individual can read and write the language that one speaks, then that person will be considered as “literate.” So, if literacy is simply reading and writing, why is it given so much emphasis in the modern world? How is it a determinant in the progress and prosperity of an individual, and society?
Although very closely linked, education and literacy are two different things altogether. While education is the process of acquisition of knowledge through readable formats, literacy is the ability to read and to write. Hence, literacy is an indispensable facet of education. An illiterate person stays deprived of education for the reason that they are unable to read and thus, fail to comprehend the texts. Subsequently, they fail to write as well. Even though it takes aptitude, intelligence, and experience to absorb each piece of information, the very step is to be able to read and write. Hence, in order to be educated, the first step is to be a literate person!
In the contemporary world, illiteracy has amplified itself not only as an inadequacy but also as a hindrance towards sustenance of a successful life by an individual, and the progress of society. High levels of illiteracy affect the integrity and functionality of a country, drastically. To highlight the significance of literacy to people and society, UNESCO started to observe 8th of September as International Literacy Day from 1966.
Illiteracy Statistics 2023
Recent statistics reveal that there are approximately 781 million illiterate people in the world. Two-third of this illiterate population in the world comprises women. According to National Statistical Office (NSO) data, as of the year 2021, India’s average literacy rate is 77.70%. India has approximately 287 million illiterate individuals which accounts for 26% of the total population. Illiteracy draws a parallel with unemployment, poverty, crimes, malnutrition, and poor health. Recent reports also reveal that children of illiterate parents most likely drop out of school, continuing the vicious cycle.
Ways to Reduce Illiteracy in India
Being familiarized with the importance of literacy and vital statistics, let us now see what you can do to support literacy in our communities.
Sponsor Education
The only way to eradicate illiteracy is by making resources available to the underprivileged children particularly those in largely remote and inaccessible areas. This helps them in choosing the right direction from the early, formative years, hence not getting trapped in the ferocious sequence of illiteracy. You can support the education of at least one disadvantaged child by enrolling them in proper schools for primary education. You can either do it by yourself, or support a like-minded organization in the same direction. One such organization is Delhi-based NGO, Wishes and Blessings.
The organization is running Sponsor a Childhood programme, under which they facilitate the education of children from a variety of demographics. This includes underprivileged children, children living with HIV, visual impairment, orphaned children, and children with special needs, in the hope to promise them a better future.
Raise Awareness
Conducting awareness campaigns is essential to highlighting the importance of literacy and the opportunities it can provide. We can do this by:
- sensitising the public
- and persuading decision-makers, local authorities, and people to prioritise literacy initiatives. Their assistance is essential in channeling the resources towards ensuring that various programmes to fight illiteracy have the conditions they need to be successful.
Support Educators
There is no question that providing teachers and educators with the necessary support and training is essential to tackle the problem of illiteracy. A healthy learning environment and the development of critical literacy skills in pupils are greatly influenced by effective teachers. We may achieve this by setting up mentorship programmes, organising workshops, recognition and appreciation, ongoing support and feedback, and access to the most recent teaching techniques, literacy techniques, and technology resources.
Donate in Kind
It is not always feasible to donate in monetary units, especially for young adults who want to bring about a tangible change. You can always help in fighting social evils like illiteracy by contributing in kind. You could make that possible by instilling the habit of donating old books, rather than throwing them in trash bins, or giving them out to kabadiwalas. Remember that books are reserves of great knowledge.
You can donate or sell old books at a local bookshop, stationery shops or donate them at a literacy charity. Similarly, you can inculcate a habit of donating other vital stationeries like exam boards, pens, pencils, erasers, sharpeners, etc.
Volunteer
You can volunteer for organizations that are operating to eradicate illiteracy. It is always good to advocate for social causes and support people and institutes who are fighting for equal access to resources and opportunities. The volunteering wing of Wishes and Blessings, Squad for Change accepts volunteers for this cause amongst others, throughout the year.
Volunteers can extend their helping hands by participating in teaching activities at the organisation’s daycare centres that cater to impoverished children in order to successfully combat the issue of illiteracy. Giving these less fortunate kids an education will plant the seeds of empowerment and knowledge, having a profound effect on both the volunteers’ life and the lives of those they help.
As the saying goes, “The good we give away is never lost,” and by devoting time and energy to educating and fostering these young minds, volunteers become catalysts for positive change and the promotion of literacy for a better future.
Let us always keep in mind that the struggle against illiteracy needs the cooperation and dedication of everyone. We can significantly reduce illiteracy rates and build a more educated and empowered society by putting these tactics into practice and remaining committed to the cause. Your small steps can bring about big changes!
About the Author
Khushaal Sharma was a Content Creator at Wishes and Blessings. He loves to make YouTube videos, write blogs and spend time with dogs. He firmly believes that endings always lead to new beginnings.