Today is International Literacy day. A day to celebrate all forms of literacy in the hardcopy and digital form.
It is amazing how many people are not able to read and write, not just in poorer countries, but also in the United Kingdom. When travelling on public transport I love reading a good book or the free newspaper (also, it means I don't have to look at my fellow passengers!). I take being able to read for granted and don't know where I would be if I couldn't read or write.
This is my 21st blog and without the know how of how to write, they wouldn't make sense. I find it appalling that in the 21st century 750 million adults and 264 million out-of-school children still lack basic literacy skills.
Fingers can be pointed at governments for cutting spending on the greatest legacy a country can have: parents for not spending time with their child to ensure they know how to read and enjoy it: teachers, for not having the time to check that the 30 plus children in their class can all read and read well.
I hope that by this time next year, the number of adults and out of school children who don't have basic literacy skills gets smaller. Somehow I doubt it.
In the meantime, I will keep buying my son books, annuals and comics to keep him reading.
