Int’l Literacy Day 2019: Theme: Literacy And Multilingualism

The International Literacy Day 2019 was celebrated on Sunday in Yangon.

The celebration at Art Hall of the Yangon University was organized by Myanmar Literacy and Regional Development Association. The ceremony began with a speech from the chairman of Myanmar Literacy and Regional Development Association. Term paper reading session was part of the celebration. It’s also the awarding ceremony for International Literacy Day essays and articles competitions under the title of the Lives of Literacy. The theme of International Literacy Day 2019 is literacy and multilingualism.

Deputy Chairman, Myanmar Literacy and Regional Dev’t Association, Aung Kyi Nyunt said “International Literacy Day was started in 1965. We, the college students that time, did the start of Literacy campaign in Myanmar from 1964 to 1988. About 240, 000 college students included in the campaigns then. Regarding the celebration of International Literacy Day, unlike the previous celebrations, this year is the pre centenary celebration of Yangon University so we also published a magazine named YinHtalKaPalTinThan to honour literacy campaign in Myanmar.”

Myanmar Literacy and Regional Development Association has held not only seminars and workshops to raise the knowledge of literacy within Myanmar societies but also provided free healthcare services across the country. 

Secretary, Myanmar Literacy and Regional Dev’t Association, Dr. Khin May Su said “For those activities, we go to regions and states. We have been to Ayeyawaddy, Mandalay and Magway regions several times. We also went to Mon State and we are going to Kachin State in the coming November. We hope that we can go to all the regions and states during this year.”

This celebration in Yangon was attended by members of the Myanmar Literacy and Regional Dev’t Association and those from the education field. 8 September was declared international literacy day by UNESCO on 26 October 1966 at 14th session of UNESCO's General conference. Its aim is to highlight the importance of literacy to individuals, communities and societies.