Today is International Literacy Day and the theme this year is 'Promoting literacy for a world in transition’ (UNESCO).

Literacy is central to the creation of inclusive, peaceful, just, and sustainable societies; yet literacy “challenges persist with at least 763 million young people and adults lacking basic literacy skills…”

US President Harry S. Truman invited us to acknowledge the gift of literacy: “If you can read this thank a teacher.” He certainly meant that we must thank all those who fostered in us the immeasurable value of being literate, from ancestral storytellers to classroom educators.

To be literate is to understand, analyze, and create communications in all its forms. On September 8^th, Rocky Mountain School District No. 6 gives pause to acknowledge the fundamental importance of literacy and to celebrate the champions of literacy in our communities!

With Strong Start BC, Ready, Set, Learn, and Literacy initiatives in each of our schools, the Rocky Mountain School District No. 6 is making literacy for a world in transition a priority.

• Visit Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy for a regional perspective: https://cbal.org/.
• Visit the UNESCO site for a global perspective: https://www.unesco.org/en/days/literacy.