Do You Know the UNESCO King Sejong Literacy Prize?
Each year, on September 8th, the world observes International Literacy Day.
This day was started by UNESCO in 1966 to promote literacy — the ability to read and write.
Literacy is a basic right for all people.
Yet, in 2022, about one out of seven adults ages 15 and up were unable to read and write.
What’s more, many children never gain reading skills because they cannot attend school.
This is because large areas of the world, such as Africa, do not have enough teachers.
Adding to this problem, millions of young people are unable to stay in school because they must work in jobs.
UNESCO will host global meetings and talks on September 8th to boost literacy.
On that day, two prizes will be given out.
One is the UNESCO King Sejong Literacy Prize, awarded with the support of Korea’s government.
The other is the UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy, started by China’s leaders.
