SWIFT CURRENT, SK – Great Plains College, in partnership with Southwest Literacy Committee, will celebrate International Literacy Day (ILD) on September 8, joining communities around the world in recognizing literacy as a cornerstone of human dignity, rights and sustainable development.
Since its inception in 1967, ILD has served to raise awareness about the importance of literacy in building equitable and empowered societies. This year, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has declared the theme: “Promoting Literacy in the Digital Era.”
As digital tools increasingly shape education, work and everyday life, digital literacy has become essential. Currently, there is widespread discussion in Canada and around the world about Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). As the possibility of AI surpassing human intelligence becomes more real, the need for digital literacy is becoming increasingly important. Digital tools are now widely used to enhance learning and expand educational opportunities. However, access to these tools remains uneven, and not everyone benefits equally.
“Literacy is a fundamental human right for all,” states UNESCO. Functional literacy is key to empowerment, well-being, and civic participation in today’s digital world. Yet, a 2023 UNESCO report revealed that 754 million people globally lack functional literacy skills.
The Southwest Literacy Committee continues to champion literacy in all its forms – reading, writing, numeracy, and digital skills – recognizing its role in building healthy communities and resilient economies.
“Literacy empowers people, increases their well-being, and enables full participation from society,” said Bula Ghosh, Southwest Literacy Committee member and literacy coordinator at Great Plains College. “As we embrace digital literacy, we must ensure no one is left behind. Learning opportunities must be equitable and accessible—locally, provincially, and nationally.”
The Southwest Literacy Committee and its members support lifelong learning by offering family, early years, and post-secondary literacy programs across the southwest region. Initiatives include literacy kits for families with children aged 0-5, helping spark a love of reading and learning from an early age. The committee also delivers literacy and skills development programs–such as computer training at the Swift Current Branch Library–and family-centered programming at the Early Years Family Resource Centre. In addition, mobile learning events bring resources and literacy opportunities directly to rural communities that may not otherwise have access.
Great Plains College and Southwest Literacy Committee will be celebrating ILD in different ways to create awareness and understanding about this important day. The City of Swift Current has also agreed to proclaim September 7-13, 2025 as International Literacy Week.
“We are pleased the city will again proclaim International Literacy Week in our community,” added Ghosh. “We want to encourage individuals and community agencies to participate in their own special way to encourage literacy skills development, particularly digital literacy skills, and to explore non-traditional ways of learning.”
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For more information, contact:
Amy Masse, manager of marketing & communications
Phone: 306-737-6107
Email