08/09/2026
INTERNATIONAL LITERACY DAY 2026
‘Literacy for People, the Planet and Prosperity.’
Today, as the world marks the 60th International Literacy Day, we are reminded that literacy is far more than the ability to read and write. It is the ability to understand, fully participate, make informed decisions, access opportunities and build a better future.
For Sierra Leone, this conversation is urgent.
Our literacy journey has made progress, but we still have a long way to go. Too many people — particularly women, young people, persons with disabilities and those in underserved communities — continue to face barriers to acquiring the literacy skills they need to thrive.
We know that change is possible because we have seen it firsthand.
Through the Africa Literacy Project, we worked with partners to bring literacy learning to 500 Sierra Leoneans, including market women, young people and persons with disabilities, using technology to make learning more accessible. This experience reinforced something we strongly believe: literacy solutions must meet people where they are.
On this International Literacy Day, we call on Government, schools, communities, businesses, development partners, civil society and individuals to make literacy a shared national priority.
Let us continue to invest in reading, support teachers, create opportunities for lifelong learning, embrace technology and innovative approaches.
And, importantly, let us ensure that no Sierra Leonean is left behind because they cannot fully access, understand or use the information and opportunities around them.
Literacy opens doors.
It strengthens people’s ability to access information, understand their rights and opportunities, make informed decisions, pursue education and livelihoods, and participate more fully in the social and economic life of their communities.
Let us improve literacy in Sierra Leone now.
Because everyone deserves the opportunity to read, understand, learn, contribute and reach their full potential.
📖 Literacy for People. Planet. Prosperity.