International Literacy Day: A Great Day to Read to Feed

By Brooke Edwards

October 3, 2019

Last Updated: September 8, 2012

Heifer Honduras children studying English

September 8 is International Literacy Day, and this year's theme is Literacy and Peace.

From UNESCO Director General Irina Bokova:

Education brings sustainability to all the development goals, and literacy is the foundation of all learning. It provides individuals with the skills to understand the world and shape it, to participate in democratic processes and have a voice, and also to strengthen their cultural identity.

Literacy is an important part of the work we at Heifer International do in the field. Many of our project participants are illiterate when projects begin. Where illiteracy is widespread in project communities, we emphasize literacy trainings as part of the project design. A significant benefit of our work is families' improved ability to send and keep their children in school, increasing literacy rates for the entire community.

Want to help Heifer International raise global literacy rates and improve literacy in your own home at the same time? Check out Read to Feed, our unique program that will get your kids reading and supporting Heifer in fun and exciting ways.