Doha, September 07 (QNA) - Under the theme "Promoting Literacy in a Digital Age," the State of Qatar will join the rest of the world on Monday in marking International Literacy Day, observed annually on September 8. The occasion comes amid the accelerating digital transformations that now touch every aspect of life, including education and work.

This year's theme underscores the vital importance of acquiring digital skills as an integral part of literacy in today's increasingly digitized world. It highlights the need to equip individuals with the tools and competencies required to engage with digital technologies and to participate effectively in knowledge-based societies.

Since 1967, the world celebrated this occasion annually, after the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), at its 14th General Conference on Oct. 26, 1966, proclaimed September 8 as International Literacy Day. The aim was to remind the international community of the fundamental role of reading and writing for individuals and societies, and to reaffirm the urgent need to step up efforts toward building more literate communities.

The objectives of International Literacy Day are encapsulated in the vision of a world free of illiteracy, by strengthening basic reading and writing skills as an essential part of the universal right to education. Literacy enables individuals to interpret and engage with the world, fosters communication and creativity in a digital-driven era, and empowers people to participate fully in society. It also facilitates access to the labor market, improves health and economic conditions, reduces poverty, and creates opportunities for a dignified life.

Qatar has made pioneering achievements in the field of literacy, reflecting its firm commitment to providing education for all. The country launched its literacy eradication policy as early as the 1950s, establishing its first adult education and literacy center in 1954, in tandem with the beginnings of the nation's educational renaissance. Regular classes were opened in late 1956 under the Education Department of Qatar's then Department of Knowledge, which included night schooling units. In 1976, two literacy centers for women were also inaugurated.

Since then, the education system recorded remarkable progress. Illiteracy among school-age students has been reduced to zero, while the overall rate stood at just 0.95 percent, according to statistics published by the Planning and Statistics Authority in 2020.

The Ministry of Education and Higher Education runs a dedicated adult education program for learners who are not covered by compulsory education (those over 18 years old or those who have completed preparatory school), as well as for students who left day schools (due to marriage, repeated academic failure, or work commitments). The program is open to both employed and unemployed learners, encouraging them to continue their studies. Qatar’s adult education system consists of three stages over ten years: literacy and primary education (four years), preparatory education (three years), and secondary education (three years).

Qatar consistently reaffirms its commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at eradicating illiteracy worldwide. Literacy, as one of the pillars of comprehensive development and social justice, opens doors to hope and progress, and empowers individuals to enhance their skills and capabilities to contribute meaningfully to building more sustainable societies.

The remarkable progress, steady growth, and widespread recognition of Qatar's education system, both locally and internationally, are largely attributed to generous and unwavering support extended by the country's wise leadership to education across all stages, levels, and sectors. This has laid the foundations for a robust educational renaissance, centered on building Qatari citizens and equipping them with faith, knowledge, and learning - regarded as the cornerstone of development and civilizational advancement.

Alongside its national plans and programs, Qatar has also been making concerted efforts and launching numerous initiatives to provide educational opportunities to millions of children in poorer countries worldwide. It invested in rehabilitating and rebuilding many educational institutions across Asia and Africa. Notable examples include the Educate A Child initiative, Al-Fakhoora, and Reach Out to Asia (ROTA), all of which operate under the umbrella of the Education Above All Foundation. These efforts also extend to securing education for ten million children globally and collaborating with international organizations to develop education systems, exchange expertise, and devise strategies for advancing education in general - including adult education and literacy. Such initiatives have received wide international recognition and commendation from regional and global organizations.

This year's choice of theme, "Promoting Literacy in a Digital Age", for International Literacy Day comes at a time of accelerating digital transformation across all aspects of life, including education, employment, and social communication.

UNESCO stresses that literacy today is no longer confined to the traditional ability to read and write, but also encompasses the skills to access, understand, evaluate, create, and share information through digital tools.

The observance of this day aims to rally global efforts to strengthen literacy policies and programs that integrate digital skills, ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital age. Events and activities held to mark the occasion will highlight successful initiatives as well as ongoing challenges in advancing digital literacy worldwide.

UNESCO's Strategy for Youth and Adult Literacy (2020–2025) places particular emphasis on countries within the Global Alliance for Literacy, and is structured around four priority areas: first, supporting Member States in formulating national literacy policies and strategies; second, addressing the learning needs of disadvantaged groups, particularly women and girls; third, leveraging digital technologies to expand access to and improve learning outcomes; and fourth, monitoring progress and evaluating literacy skills and programs to measure achievements.

According to UNESCO data, more than 754 million adults worldwide remain illiterate, with women accounting for two-thirds of this population. Additionally, 250 million children lack basic reading and writing skills, while around 75 million children are either out of school, attending irregularly, or at risk of dropping out. (QNA)