iteracy is a fundamental human right and the foundation for lifelong learning. Yet, we continue to face significant challenges in achieving universal literacy. UNESCO reports that approximately 765 million adults lack basic literacy skills, and 250 million children fail to acquire foundational literacy competencies. These figures represent untapped potential, with dreams deferred.
However, literacy today goes beyond traditional reading and writing. Our rapidly changing global landscape demands a broader spectrum of skills—climate literacy, digital literacy, media literacy, and more. These new literacies are essential for navigating and shaping our world. For instance, digital literacy equips individuals with the critical skills to engage with technology, fostering innovation and connectivity, while climate literacy empowers informed decisions about environmental stewardship.
Yet, successfully achieving high rates of learning in these emerging literacies presents challenges. Educational systems often struggle to keep pace with rapidly evolving needs, creating a gap between traditional curricula and real–world demands. The digital divide exacerbates this issue, with the OECD reporting that many institutions lack trained personnel to effectively deliver digital literacy, further exacerbating existing educational inequalities. Similarly, climate literacy and readiness is often missing in curricula, despite its growing importance.
To address these challenges, we must adopt a holistic approach that integrates diverse literacies across the education system. This approach, exemplified by organizations in the Teach For All network, recognizes that these emerging literacies are interconnected and essential to deliver a comprehensive education that meets the demands of the 21st century. To successfully adopt this holistic approach, we must embed new literacy skills across the curriculum and invest in comprehensive teacher training to ensure effective delivery. Importantly, we must engage every level of the system–principals, teachers, students, local community and government–in a shared vision for success.
Although traditional methods of advancing literacy might be insufficient, we have learned from decades of efforts that early intervention, contextualized teaching and learning, and a shared purpose across every level of the education system is crucial. These lessons apply equally to new literacies. More so, we must continue to adopt innovative strategies that prioritize inclusivity and relevance, ensuring that every learner is equipped to navigate and shape our increasingly complex world.
As we observe International Literacy Day, let us commit to fostering a broad spectrum of literacies, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive.
a global affairs media network
Rethinking literacy for a complex world
Photo by Julia M Cameron from Pexels.
September 4, 2024
Literacy is the foundation for lifelong learning. To adequately address literacy challenges, we must embrace a holistic approach that recognizes emerging literacies, like digital and climate literacy, as vital, writes Nangamso Mtsatse.
L
iteracy is a fundamental human right and the foundation for lifelong learning. Yet, we continue to face significant challenges in achieving universal literacy. UNESCO reports that approximately 765 million adults lack basic literacy skills, and 250 million children fail to acquire foundational literacy competencies. These figures represent untapped potential, with dreams deferred.
However, literacy today goes beyond traditional reading and writing. Our rapidly changing global landscape demands a broader spectrum of skills—climate literacy, digital literacy, media literacy, and more. These new literacies are essential for navigating and shaping our world. For instance, digital literacy equips individuals with the critical skills to engage with technology, fostering innovation and connectivity, while climate literacy empowers informed decisions about environmental stewardship.
Yet, successfully achieving high rates of learning in these emerging literacies presents challenges. Educational systems often struggle to keep pace with rapidly evolving needs, creating a gap between traditional curricula and real–world demands. The digital divide exacerbates this issue, with the OECD reporting that many institutions lack trained personnel to effectively deliver digital literacy, further exacerbating existing educational inequalities. Similarly, climate literacy and readiness is often missing in curricula, despite its growing importance.
To address these challenges, we must adopt a holistic approach that integrates diverse literacies across the education system. This approach, exemplified by organizations in the Teach For All network, recognizes that these emerging literacies are interconnected and essential to deliver a comprehensive education that meets the demands of the 21st century. To successfully adopt this holistic approach, we must embed new literacy skills across the curriculum and invest in comprehensive teacher training to ensure effective delivery. Importantly, we must engage every level of the system–principals, teachers, students, local community and government–in a shared vision for success.
Although traditional methods of advancing literacy might be insufficient, we have learned from decades of efforts that early intervention, contextualized teaching and learning, and a shared purpose across every level of the education system is crucial. These lessons apply equally to new literacies. More so, we must continue to adopt innovative strategies that prioritize inclusivity and relevance, ensuring that every learner is equipped to navigate and shape our increasingly complex world.
As we observe International Literacy Day, let us commit to fostering a broad spectrum of literacies, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive.
