Words Around the World: Celebrating International Literacy Day

Every year on September 8, people across the globe come together to celebrate International Literacy Day. This worldwide event shines a spotlight on the power of reading and writing. First established in 1966 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the celebration marks an incredible milestone in 2026: its 60th anniversary! For six decades, communities on every continent have worked to make sure all children have the chance to discover the joy of books.

Reading is much more than just a subject in school; it is an everyday superpower. From deciphering bus schedules to following delicious recipes, literacy helps people navigate daily life, solve problems, and connect with their communities. To see the magic in action, one only needs to follow the stories of young readers around the planet.

In a sunny coastal town in Kenya, ten-year-old Amina begins her morning at the local open-air market. She holds a small, handwritten list of ingredients her family needs for dinner. Because Amina has learned to read and do math, she helps her grandmother check prices on the chalkboard signs and calculate the correct change. Later in the afternoon, a brightly painted mobile library van visits her neighborhood. Amina rushes over to borrow an illustrated science book about marine animals. "Reading lets me dive into the deepest oceans without leaving my front porch," Amina explains with a smile.

Thousands of miles away in the mountainous region of Peru, a boy named Mateo uses his reading skills to explore new adventures. Every evening, after helping his family care for their alpaca herd, Mateo sits near the fireplace with his younger sister. He opens a colorful storybook and reads aloud, using funny voices for each character. Mateo also helps his father read the instructions on seed packets so they know the best time to plant potatoes and corn. For Mateo, words are practical tools that help his family thrive, as well as keys that unlock magical tales.

Meanwhile, in a bustling neighborhood in Tokyo, Japan, eleven-year-old Sora relies on reading to share his favorite hobby: baking. Sora loves finding traditional sweet treat recipes in library books. By carefully reading the step-by-step directions and measuring out ingredients, he bakes treats with his grandfather. Sora also uses digital maps and station signs to travel safely on the subway to meet his friends for their weekly book club.

As International Literacy Day marks sixty years of inspiring learners, celebrations are taking place in classrooms, parks, and libraries worldwide. Children are hosting book swaps, painting story banners, and reading together under the shade of trees. These celebrations remind us that whether a story is printed on paper, displayed on a screen, or written on a chalkboard, literacy opens doors to bright futures and brings the entire world closer together.