Literacy: a path to equality and progress
Beamafilm
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30/08/2023
Since its inception in 1967, International Literacy Day (ILD) has been marked on 08 September as a beacon of hope, a reminder that the ability to read and write is not just a skill, but a fundamental human right. Every year, this day brings us together to champion literacy as a catalyst for progress, a bridge to opportunity, and a cornerstone of human dignity.
In a world that's constantly evolving, this year's theme for International Literacy Day, ‘Promoting literacy for a world in transition: Building the foundation for sustainable and peaceful societies’, resonates more powerfully than ever! Amid challenges brought by the pandemic and other global crises, literacy remains a vital tool for shaping a brighter future.
While significant strides have been made, the battle for universal literacy is far from won when more than 760 million young people and adults still lack basic literacy skills. However, International Literacy Day doesn't just shed light on the challenges; it illuminates the remarkable efforts undertaken worldwide to conquer them.
From bustling cities to remote villages, ILD2023 is set to galvanize communities, governments, and organizations to unite in fostering literacy. It's a rallying call to accelerate progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 4, to build societies that are inclusive, equitable, peaceful, and sustainable.
As we mark this year's ILD, let us celebrate the countless educators, learners, and advocates who tirelessly promote literacy. Global celebrations, including an exciting conference in Paris, will not only highlight the urgency of this cause but also recognize the remarkable contributions of programs that are changing lives through literacy.
In the lead-up to International Literacy Day, our commitment to empowering minds, opening doors, and creating a world where everyone can access the transformative power of words is renewed. Together, we can rewrite the story for a more literate, equitable, and harmonious world.
Stream from our ILD2023 watchlist below to draw inspiration and help rewrite the story of international literacy for International Literacy Day.
Watch for FREE with a participating library card or on a 30-day trial. Also, you can rent a film for 48 hours.
Filmmaker Maya Newell follows a 10-year-old Aboriginal boy and his family as they strive to give him the best education possible.
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Four observational portraits of inspiring Australian teachers.
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Miss Loiseau's class is unlike any other. Her adult students are recent immigrants: some of them refugees, most learning to read and write for the first time, all eager to study, find work, and raise their families in peace. Their stories of pain and hope converge in one big...
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25 years after the end of apartheid, what do women in a South African township dream of?
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A documentary exploring the battle over public education in New Zealand from the 1980s through the 1990s.
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Inghilda Tapio is one of the last generation of Indigenous children born into a nomadic Saami reindeer herding family in the Arctic Circle, and is now an inspirational poet and performer.
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Post World War II, New Zealand education underwent major changes. This documentary shows the changes and the people who worked tirelessly to establish an arts-centered, bicultural educational system.
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The documentary tells the story of how the small New Zealand territory of Tokelau switched its power supply to 100% solar energy.
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Growing up isn’t easy for a young man torn between the modern world and his ancient culture.
Tall As The Baobab Tree gives a voice to the countless young girls in the developing world who are still being denied an education by forced early marriage.
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"Celia" is a cinematic feature film that explores the life, death, work and vision of international author, social advocate and world-class storyteller, Celia Lashlie.
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Carry The Tune highlights a challenge we all face - the endeavor to balance our work with our passions.
In Australia, during the era of the Stolen Generations, thousands of Aboriginal girls were taken from their families and pressed into domestic servitude by the Australian Government.
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