International Literacy Day

PCE demands implementation of the ‘Right to Education’

Pakistan Coalition for Education (PCE), an initiative of Society for Access to Quality Education (SAQE), flagged a reminder on the implementation of the Right to Education ensured by the constitution under 18th amendment through Article 25-A.

Pakistan has lowest literacy rates in the world and among the countries with lowest spending on education even in South Asia. According to the latest Pakistan Social and Living Standards Measurement (PSLM) Survey 2008-09, the overall literacy rate (age 10 years and above) is 57% (69% for male and 45% for female) compared to 56% (69% for male and 44% for female) for 2007-08.

September8 is proclaimed International Literacy Day by UNESCO and was celebrated all across the World. The sub theme for the 2011 International literacy Day was “Literacy and Peace” under the main theme on Literacy and Empowerment.

Only a literate informed society can bring peace and prosperity in Pakistan. Pakistan Coalition for Education (PCE), being one of the largest coalitions of Pakistan, observed the day and emphasized on the implementation of Article 25 A- Right to education. Different messages and promotional material were developed for a wider dissemination and radio promos and talk shows were organized. 

It was an opportunity to assess the international commitments that have been ratified by Pakistan towards progress in education and 100% literacy. It was also aimed at joining the hands with the international community in highlighting the significance of literacy for individuals, communities and societies at large.

PCE believes that the issues and remedial actions highlighted during the International Literacy Day would strengthen and augment the concept of “Literacy for Peace”. It is expected that the One Voice would one day be heard across the country as a shared movement to promote education to become the top priority in the parliament and public discourse.