KINGSTON, Jamaica – September 8 is being celebrated worldwide as International Literacy Day. This year, International Literacy Day is placing a special focus on the important relationship between literacy and health as a result the day has been themed “Literacy is the best remedy.”
Jamaica is joining the world in recognition of International Literacy Day. The Ministry of Education through its agencies, the Education Transformation Team (ETT), which looks at literacy in the formal school system (ages of 0—16 years) and the Jamaican Foundation for Lifelong Learning (JFLL) which looks at literacy among persons aged 17 will observe the month of September as National Literacy Month.
The agencies will join will several partners to stage numerous activities throughout the month, starting on Sunday, September 7 with a church service at the Bethel Baptist Church in Half Way Tree St. Andrew at 10:00 a.m.
International Literacy Day was created by UNESCO and has been celebrated every year since 1966. This annual celebration started following a recommendation of the World Conference of Ministers of Education on the Eradication of Illiteracy which met in Tehran in September 1965.
On this day, the Director-General of UNESCO addresses a message to the world, appealing to individuals, organizations and states to demonstrate their support and solidarity for literacy and to promote non-formal education for all, particularly for those who have been excluded from the school system.
