What is International Literacy Day?

International Literacy Day is an annual event that celebrates literacy and the importance of reading and writing. International Literacy Day was started in 1966 by UNESCO as a way to promote youth literacy and global understanding through reading. The day also recognises the need for adults to continue learning throughout their lives. It has been observed every year to motivate individuals around the world to read more, improve literacy skills, provide educational opportunities for children who don’t have access to them and foster international cooperation among nations.

The 2025 theme is “Promoting literacy in the digital era”. Technology is opening up new ways of learning. But there’s a flip side. Without the right skills, kids can be excluded from the benefits of both traditional learning and the digital world.

When is International Literacy Day?

International Literacy Day falls on the 8th of September each year.

When did International Literacy Day start, and why?

International Literacy Day was proclaimed by UNESCO on the 8th of September 1966 to remind people about how important literacy is for individuals, communities and societies. This issue has been a key component in UN Sustainable Development Goals since 2015 as well as in their 2030 Agenda for sustainable development.

How is literacy linked to employment?

In today’s world, literacy is not just about being able to read and write. It has become a fundamental element of the human experience that has positively impacted many aspects of life. There are numerous benefits of literacy, but one, in particular, is it offers an opportunity to break the cycle of poverty.

The lack of education can significantly impact a child’s potential in life. Education is an investment in the future, but it’s a complicated one. Families living on low incomes often need their children to stop attending school and begin work to supplement household income, limiting access to crucial literacy skills that allow them opportunities outside of unskilled jobs with little progression potential. 

This cycle leads and keeps many families in poverty as they cannot progress beyond these limited wages or provide better life prospects once adults are old enough to enter the job market themselves.

The double literacy gap

In today’s world, it’s easy for kids to feel left out if they don’t have the right tools. Without both traditional and digital literacy, kids face a double disadvantage. This is a problem we call ‘double marginalisation’.

A child who doesn’t have the basic skills to read a book or write a story is already at a disadvantage in the classroom. Now, consider how much of their world is online from homework to connecting with friends. If they also don’t have the skills to safely and confidently navigate the internet, they are shut out of a whole new world of learning and fun. It’s why we must support every child to develop traditional and digital literacy skills they need to reach their full potential.

Want to see how digital skills are already empowering youth? See how technology is bridging the digital divide for students in remote communities in Vietnam and Cambodia.

What are some International Literacy Day activities?

There are many ways you can celebrate International Literacy Day in your community and we’ve chosen a few to showcase below:

Donate books

Do you have any books that need a new home? Consider donating them to your local school library. Add to the catalogue of a child’s school library and help them escape reality with a captivating fiction story or explore the world and expand their mind with a non-fiction read.

Start your own community book club

Why not take inspiration from International Literacy Day and start your book club? Book clubs are a great way to meet new people and learn about different perspectives plus can be done in person or online. They can also be the perfect place for you to find your next favourite book!

Host a morning tea

Whether you host one in the office or decide to organise something at home, morning teas are simple to organise and a fantastic way to catch up for a good cause. Guests can simply donate on the day and share a bite to eat. Learn more about community fundraising for ChildFund.

Donate to ChildFund 

This International Literacy Day help children living in vulnerable circumstances access the education they deserve. You can donate a number of critical learning items, including Tablets, a School Supplies Set, help build a classroom, and bicycles and helmets so children in remote communities can go to school.

For more information on how you can help make a difference in the lives of many children living in poverty around the world, you can check out our current Appeals or learn more about making a monthly donation.