OTTAWA: The Prime Minister’s Office released his statement on International Literacy Day. Prime Minister Trudeau highlighted the importance of being able to read and write and of having access to quality and equitable education, no matter where one lives.
Literacy learning is life-long and although students across the country continue to engage in literacy-based curriculum provided by each province’s Ministry of Education, many still struggle to gain the needed literacy skills required to be successful.
As the Prime Minister indicated in his statement, “"Today, on International Literacy Day, we raise awareness of the importance of being able to read and write, and we recognize all those who work tirelessly to make sure education is accessible for everyone, both at home and abroad.”
Trudeau shared this year’s International Literacy Day’s theme, that of “Transforming Literacy Learning Spaces”. He described the need to make sure that people from all over the world can access literacy education that is inclusive, and equitable and one that supports different learning spaces.
"This year's theme, 'Transforming Literacy Learning Spaces', invites us to ensure people around the world can access quality, equitable, and inclusive education. Literacy provides a foundation for lifelong success. By embracing a variety of learning spaces including digital learning spaces we can reduce barriers to learning, encourage ongoing education, and ensure no one is left behind,” stated the Prime Minister.
Trudeau also mentioned the government’s “Skills for Success Program” which introduced a new “Essential skills framework” that identified key skills such as: adaptability, reading, writing and numeracy skills, communication skills, and problem-solving skills; each one necessary, in order to be successful at work and in one’s daily life.
He also spoke about how the government will continue to work towards providing “quality education, gender equality, and address the gender gap in literacy education.
"As co-chair of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Advocates Group, I am working to advance quality education and gender equality at home and abroad. As a result of the pandemic, nearly 24 million learners worldwide might never return to formal education, including 11 million young women and girls. To promote access to quality education and lifelong learning for children and youth who are refugees, experience other forms of displacement, or are living in host communities, the Government of Canada launched the Together for Learning campaign in 2021. Our efforts are helping address the gender gap in literacy and achieving increases in literacy rates where they are most needed,” added Trudeau.
"On behalf of the Government of Canada, I thank all those who work to promote and improve access to quality education, here in Canada and around the world. Literacy is a fundamental human right, and we will continue to work to close the gaps in access to education and build a better, fairer, and more prosperous future for everyone."
International Literacy Day is being celebrated by many local organizations and regional school boards, as well.
Superior-Greenstone District School Board also shared their recognition of International Literacy Day. They commented on the importance of celebrating this day as a day to remind us of the importance of literacy. The board described the importance of literacy as, “a matter of dignity and human rights, and to advance the literacy agenda towards a more literate and sustainable society.”
The Board also alluded to the theme of this year’s International Literacy Day, as did Prime Minister Trudeau in his statement.
SGDSB added their thoughts about taking the opportunity to think about the fundamental importance of creating diverse literacy learning spaces. “This year’s International Literacy Day will be celebrated under the theme, Transforming Literacy Learning Spaces and will be an opportunity to rethink the fundamental importance of literacy learning spaces to build resilience and ensure quality, equitable, and inclusive education for all.”