On International Literacy Day, Pakistan joins the international community in paying tribute to the spirit of learning and teaching, and to the quest for knowledge. Literacy plays a pivotal role in determining the quality of life of individuals and nations and in charting the course towards progress and prosperity in every sphere of life.
This year, International Literacy Day is being observed under the theme, “Literacy for People, Planet and Prosperity.” The theme highlights a powerful message that literacy empowers and enlightens individuals while enabling societies to move towards the goal of sustainable development.
Literacy is not merely counting people in a country who can read and write rather it is a means of transforming our ideological, religious, social, economic and national foundations into a brighter future.
The journey towards realizing the true benefits of education, learning and literacy is, in essence, an endeavour to shape and empower the future generations.
Promoting literacy and fostering cooperation in education and learning must undoubtedly remain an individual, national and global priority, so that the shared interests of humanity and positive values such as peaceful coexistence may be strengthened and promoted.
At the national level, the Government is committed to ensuring equal, inclusive and quality education for all, with particular emphasis on digital literacy, skills development, research and innovation. The Federal Government is working with provincial governments and relevant stakeholders on a comprehensive strategy to increase the literacy rate across the country and provide students enrolled in the education system with education aligned with the demands of the contemporary world. In particular, the Federal Government has launched special programmes to enrol out-of-school children. Initiatives such as the Daanish Schools reflect our commitment that a child’s access to quality education should never be determined by his or her socio-economic circumstances. By providing free and quality education to children belonging to deserving and disadvantaged segments of society, particularly orphans, these institutions are helping nurture talent, build confidence and open pathways to a better future. Such efforts reflect our resolve to make quality education a means of social development and national inclusion.
Alongside providing educational opportunities, the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) has been made more effective and dynamic to equip our young workforce with globally competitive, internationally recognized and market oriented skills. This will help open pathways to dignified employment, entrepreneurship and expanded economic opportunities for our youth. By strengthening the linkage between education, skills development and the evolving requirements of the labour market, we can enable young people to become active partners in the economy and in Pakistan’s socio-economic development.
To fully realize the benefits of literacy, it is equally imperative to give special attention to women’s education and empowerment. The country’s inclusive development depends on ensuring that women have equal opportunities to develop their capabilities and play their due role in national development.
Literacy is also fundamental to raising public awareness about the challenges of the twenty-first century, particularly climate change, environmental degradation and related risks. Informed and responsible citizens can play a more effective role in protecting and sustainably developing our natural resources.
To achieve the national objective of improving literacy rates and establishing a quality education system, the Government, educational institutions, students, teachers, parents, civil society, development partners, the private sector and the media must all work together and play an effective and coordinated role.
Let us renew our resolve that, as a nation, we will illuminate the minds of our younger generation with the light of knowledge and ensure a prosperous and accomplished future marked by progress and opportunity.
