Its been 50 years since UNESCO established September 8 as International Literacy Day. When a person learns how to read, a whole world of possibilities “literally” opens up in front of their eyes. Statistics have proven that literacy improves health, income and social interaction, diminishing povery, violence and social exclusion. It is no wonder why Education is a fundamental Human Right and why Unesco’s Director General appeals to “all Members States and supporters to redouble our efforts – political and financial – to ensure that literacy is fully recognised as one of the most powerful accelerators of sustainable development.”
Literacy and Literature are also fundamental to freedom in today’s world. An individual who reads and is able to interpret what she reads is an individual who can think critically and who can question and demand. A society that reads is, therefore, a society with high expectations, and one that could potentially challenge its leaders if they attempt to impose an ideology or fail to protect their rights. Many might see this as an overstatement, but it is not. Historically, nations that rank high on education, are nations with stable democratic systems, where a significant number of citizens admit having a good quality of life. In contrast, nations with low levels of literacy tend to be politically unstable and are constantly battling with poverty and violence. These societies frequently fall into a vicious circle in which the problems seem so epic that little resources are left to focus on the solutions. Moreover, illiterate societies are the perfect breeding ground of oppresive regimes because corrupt politicians are keen on playing with people’s expectations and needs in order to gain access power. It is easier to lie to a person who cannot read a newspaper, a history book or an opinion column. A person with knowledge can construct a solid argument and successfully challenge an abusive authority, but without knowledge, people usually surrender to despair or take the route of violence.
UNESCO states that there are some 775 million illiterate people in the world; this translates into one in five individuals in the planet who cannot read. Chances are, however, that these numbers are even higher because some of the data collected by UNESCO comes from governmental institutions which, in cases such as my own country Venezuela, may be manipulated to cover a more dramatic reality. It is sad to see that even though literacy is such a powerful instrument to achieve sustained development, most governments across the globe keep investing millions on wars and weapons and ignoring credible evidence of a much more civilised solution to problems such as displacement, poverty and political unrest.
I would like to use the 50th anniversary of International Literacy Day to mark the launching of the Literature & Politics section of my blog. Here, I will comment on politics, life and society in the light of some inspiring works of literature and journalism.
For statistical information on World Literacy please check: http://www.unesco.org/new/en/education/themes/education-building-blocks/literacy/resources/statistics