Literacy has historically been described as being the ability to read and write. But what does it read and write? Reading is having the meaning of letters by sight or touch, and writing is creating characters with an instrument on a surface. Both definitions refer to a written language that can restrict communicable ideas. But these are not the only meanings to read and write. Reading can also be described as being capable of understanding purpose or meaning, and writing can be defined as creating a lasting impression. Below in this article you can read about what is literacy day and what value of this day is.
The beginning era of literacy day
The first literacy day was celebrated in 1966 and from then the day is being celebrated all across the globe. Since then, literacy day in india has been celebrated annually on September 8 to highlight the importance of literacy to individuals and communities around the world.
According to recent consensus, approximately 775 million adults lack the minimum education needed to be literate, of which 60.7 million are out of school or uncommon attendants. South Asia has the lowest regional adult literacy rate, at 58.6 percent, according to UNESCO’s ‘Global Monitoring Study on Education for All’ (2006), and the reasons for this vary from extreme poverty.
Education in the times of pandemic
This year’s celebration will shed light on the role of educators and evolving pedagogies. We thinks of literacy from a lifetime experience perspective, and thus its value for adult youth. Most current adult literacy programs were suspended, with only a few courses continuing digitally, through television and radio, or in open-air spaces.
Most classes and lectures are delivered online. At the same time, that makes a difference, the question of what the future holds regarding the uncertain educational method. The UN is organising online workshops and talks on these critical issues to celebrate International literacy day. Two meetings will be held, one on ‘Literacy teaching and learning in and beyond the COVID-19 crisis: the role of educators and evolving pedagogies’ and the other on ‘UNESCO International Literacy Prize 2020 Laureates.’
Loopholes in the Modern Day Education and its solution
Formal education has been in the process of constant reformation, especially at the undergraduate level. The layout of the course now contains several practical tasks intended to enhance textual learning. Despite these changes, when it comes to teaching students valuable job skills, the reach of formal education is still minimal. The prescribed knowledge, which lays the groundwork, provides students with an overview of the industry and teaches them the basic concepts of need-to-know. Nevertheless, students rarely have the opportunity to apply these concepts to real-life circumstances. Thus their problem-solving skills are not improving further.
Whom to blame?
The right choice isn’t to blame the students alone. Most parents insist on satisfactory academic performance, not taking care of whether they are acquiring any useful ability. Indeed, our primary and secondary education instils fascination in students from a young age with studying the textbook.
Vocational training is essential for doing away with this conditioning and teaching practical skills required for students’ stable and lucrative career. Vocational education helps fill the void by offering students practical skills and information that will prepare them for their professional tenure. It encourages them to take theoretical principles and to bring them into effect.
The country needs job-ready professionals, not robots who cram their books
In the new industrial scenario of cut-throat rivalry, where every second is critical, it’s essential to be job-ready for today’s young people. The practical knowledge and skills gained from vocational training make all the difference and give them a competitive edge over their colleagues.
The new world does not need the students who have crammed their books. Rather it needs the job ready professionals, who are well trained and ready to face the competition. There is no need of the students who can work as robots. There is a need of professionals who can bring out the best creativity.