international literacy day: 8 september 2008

"International Literacy Day (ILD) 2008 is placing a special focus on the important relationship between literacy and health. This is the theme for the 2007-2008 biennium of the United Nations Literacy Decade."

the united nations education, scientific and cultural organization (unesco) proclaimed an international literacy day in 1965, and first celebrated it in 1966. 42 years later ild is still going strong (albeit with little fanfare in the united states). this is the second year of the two year biennial theme focused on the connection between literacy and the underlying health of society.

"UNESCO and its partners are underlining the significance of literacy for healthy societies, with a strong emphasis on the HIV/AIDS pandemic and major diseases like tuberculosis and malaria. These are some of the world’s most important public health concerns."

do your part today: PROMOTE LITERACY