Int’l Literacy Day: 2022 International Literacy Day observed in Nay Pyi Taw

The 2022 International Literacy Day was observed at the meeting hall of office no (13) in the Ministry of Education, Nay Pyi Taw at 2 p.m. on September 8 with the attendance of union ministers, chairman of union civil service board, deputy ministers and officials concerned, teachers and students.

First, the celebration was opened with the song of “WaHta Ka La Tha” sung by the students from Basic Education High School (5), Pyinmana Township, Nay Pyi Taw.

In his opening speech, the patron of steering committee for organizing International Literacy Day Union Minister Dr. Nyunt Pe said the September 8 was designated as the International Literacy Day by the United Nations in 1964.

It’s been observing yearly in the world countries and becomes a day reminded the international community of the status of literacy and adult learning globally.

In the history of traditional literacy of Myanmar, the literacy rate was somewhat high since the time of ancient Myanmar Kings thanks to the monastic education system.

After becoming a colony under English, the literacy rate gradually decreased year after year according the records. After regaining independence, due to the bad legacy left by the past, illiteracy rate in rural areas was higher than the urban area especially illiterate women outnumbered.

Actually, the higher rate of illiteracy is a negative sign for a country to development, the literacy public campaign was staged in 1965 by forming 3 Rs Training Supervisory Coordination Central Committee.

For the apparent results of the campaign, UNESCO awarded Myanmar the MOHAMMED REZA PAHLAVI Prize in 1971 and Noma Prize in 1983.

The Chairman of State Administration Council Prime Minister pointed out that there were 3.5 million of illiterate populations over 15 years and above according to the statistics of 2014 population census.

Under the circumstances, there are 2.7 million of children who could not complete the primary education. The numerous children outside the school and the higher illiteracy are the immense challenge for the development of the country.

As the remark of the prime minister, to solve the problem of higher illiteracy rate, the ministry of education and related ministries, regions and states governments, departments, boards of expertise and civil society organizations, national races literature and culture committees and enthusiasts in education are urged to cooperate etc.

Next, the 2022 International Literacy Day message conveyed by the UNESCO director general was read by the secretary general of Myanmar UNESCO National Committee rector of the University of Foreign Languages (Yangon) Dr. Kyi Shwin.

Then, the Video Clip on the activities of 2022 International Literacy Day observations.

Afterward, the students from Basic Education High School (5), Zabuthiri Township, Nay Pyi Taw honored the event with the song of “Extend helping hands for literacy”.

Next, the union minister presented cash of honor to the students from the two high schools and looked round the exhibition booths displayed in commemorating the 2022 International Literacy Day, it’s learnt.