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The ability to read is a superpower! It transports us to different worlds, introduces us to different cultures, perspectives and ideologies. It helps us to learn and grow, connect and interact. It is a superpower we all should possess, but sadly far too many don't.
According to the World Literacy Foundation, around 750 million people are illiterate and unable to read a single word, and more than 2 billion people struggle to read and write a sentence. Lacking basic reading and writing skills is a tremendous disadvantage that hampers a person’s development in every stage of life.
Literacy not only enriches an individual's life, but also creates opportunities for people to develop skills that help them provide for themselves and their families. In fact, high literacy rates have been found to correlate to everything from better access to economic opportunity, to better nutrition, to environmental sustainability. Helping someone to read and write effectively, and acquire the numeracy skills many of us take for granted, improves the future of everyone in society.
While everyone, everywhere, should ideally be equipped with the tools of literacy, added effort is needed in addressing the current imbalance that sees up to two thirds of the world’s illiterate population being made up of women. Women, as we know, are also more likely to pass on whatever skill sets they possess to their offspring. Therefore, it stands to reason, that educating a woman equates to educating a nation.
Literacy is critical to economic development as well as individual and community well-being. Advancing literacy contributes to increased self-esteem, confidence and empowerment of individuals. By developing and improving the literacy skills of our human resources (our people), our economy is enhanced. The lives of our women and children are enhanced.
The Uplifting Effect of Literacy - Improving literacy skills leads to improved cognitive skills, which leads to an increased potential to earn a living and acquire further skills and/or higher education. This in turn can reduce poverty, improve health and well-being, promote a reduction in crime and violence, improve living standards, promote social development, increase civic, art and cultural engagement, increase awareness, critical thinking and compassion, promote equality, promote democracy, and promote peace and understanding.
On a spiritual note, teaching people a skill that improves their lives and the lives of those around them falls under a form of continuing charity known as ‘Sadaqa jariya’ and benefits the soul of the teacher, even beyond the grave. Other examples of this type of charity are installing a well, building an institute of learning, building a place of worship, and planting trees that offer shade/fruit/medicine to people and animals.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “When a person dies, all their deeds end except three: a continuing charity, beneficial knowledge (imparted) and a child who prays for them,” (Hadith, Muslim).
An interesting point to note is that the Prophet himself could not read or write. This serves to remind us that by no means should we equate illiteracy to ignorance. For centuries, people and entire cultures have survived and thrived without being able to read and write. Some have left revered works of art that have survived the centuries, like the Easter Island statues and Stone Henge, which are believed to have been created by pre-literate societies.
But today, literacy plays an integral role in helping us to connect the dots in our modern world. It helps us to express, learn, grow, connect with and shape the world around us.
Reading leads to writing. Personally, writing has been a lifeline to me and a means of catharsis. It is a necessity. Writing helps us clarify ideas, solve problems, and understand ourselves and our ever changing world.
If every person that is able to read, finds and teaches someone that is illiterate or struggling with literacy, imagine what a positive impact you could make in that person’s life, and the entire world!
My humble request to you, EACH ONE, TEACH ONE, and give someone the precious gift of literacy!
Adiela Akoo was appointed as the Vice-Chairperson of Litasa - The Literacy Association of South Africa - conferred at the KwaZulu Natal Annual General Meeting on 27/02/2021.
With deep gratitude to insights gained and lessons learned, she completed her term of office on 26/02/2022. Due to increased demands on her time, she decided against formally volunteering for a further period in office and has resigned from her position as Vice Chair of Litasa, KZN. She remains passionate about literacy and will continue to promote it at her own discretion.