Promoting Multilingual Education: Literacy for mutual understanding and peace

The International Literacy Day was celebrated at the Ministry of Education in Nay Pyi Taw on Sunday. Union Minister for Education Dr Nyunt Pe attended the ceremony in his capacity as the Patron of the Leading Committee on Observing the International Literacy Day.

In his speech, the Union Minister highlighted the efforts of the Ministry for achieving higher literacy rate, and called for cooperation of all concerned persons in the work undertakings. The 2014 census data revealed about 2.7 million children who did not completed the primary education, while about 3.55 million illiterate of aged 15 and above.

The Ministry of Education, in cooperation with the related ministries and region/state governments, is making efforts for comprehensive education through formal and non-formal education. In addition, community based libraries have been established to encourage the pursue of knowledge.

Starting early 2023, the Action Plan has been laid down for literacy activities, and basic literacy campaigns were organized across regions and states. In April 2024, with the technological support of the Ministry of Science and Technology, a Mobile Application was launched, offering basic literacy teachings. This year’s theme for the International Literacy Day is "Promoting multilingual education: Literacy for mutual understanding and peace".