SWIFT CURRENT: Great Plains College will celebrate International Literacy Day on Thursday, September 8 in partnership with the Southwest Literacy Committee. To recognize the day, the college and its partners are planning various events for the week of September 4-10.
2016 marks the 50th anniversary of International Literacy Day, and the theme for the year is “Education for the 21st century.”
“Great Plains College works year-round to promote literacy and lifelong learning through our adult education and English language training programs in particular,” says Bula Ghosh, Southwest Literacy Committee member and literacy coordinator at Great Plains College. “We are excited to be working with our partners to raise awareness for the importance of literacy for everyone in our community.”
According to the Adult Literacy and Life Skills Survey, four out of every 10 Canadians do not have the literacy skills they need to meet the ever-increasing demands of today’s life in a knowledge-based economy.
“Literacy is a fundamental building block for continuous learning. It is a skill that can help individuals improve their health, income and social connection to their community and the world, which is why it is so important that we continue to raise awareness of literacy challenges and opportunities for learning,” says Ghosh.
UNESCO, the intellectual agency of the United Nations, notes that celebration of Literacy Day is an opportunity to give voice to adult learners and highlight the importance of recognizing their potential. It’s a chance to reach out to potential learners and underprivileged groups, increase the number of adults engaged in learning activities, and promote cooperation among government and non-governmental partners.
“We are excited the City of Swift Current has proclaimed September 4-10 as International Literacy Week, and we want to encourage other individuals and community agencies to participate in the celebration of this week in their own special way to promote literacy and lifelong learning,” said Ghosh.
Great Plains College will celebrate International Literacy Day on Thursday, September 8 with an evening event and literacy display at the college; members of the public are invited to join. The Swift Current Library and Newcomer Welcome Centre will also be hosting events during the week.
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For more information:
Amy Sletten - Communications Coordinator
P: 306-778-5498 C: 306-737-6107
amys@greatplainscollege.ca