September 8, 1965 - International Literacy Day - a podcast by Stephen Hammond

International Literacy Day is established. Literacy does more than boost citizens’ working credentials; it benefits their personal growth and financial well-being. Hoping to persuade countries to emphasize literacy, the United Nations’ Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) decided in 1965 to set aside a day for businesses, governments and organizations to help promote literacy and life-long learning through a variety of programs. International Literacy Day would be observed every September 8th. Twenty-five years later, the UN’s General Assembly decided to assign an entire year to the effort, and proclaimed 1990 as International Literacy Year. Canada has put a lot of effort and resources into literacy, and Canadian governments like to think it is a world leader in the area. However, Canada’s record is still left with much to be desired. Today almost one in four Canadians have difficulty understanding every day print found in newspapers, job application forms and pesticide applications. Another one in five are confused about directions for taking medications.

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