INTERNATIONAL LITERACY DAY 8TH SEPTEMBER

INTERNATIONAL LITERACY DAY 8TH SEPTEMBER

Dr. Disakul Kasemsawas, Secretary-General of the Office of Non-Formal and Informal Education, said, “The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) announced the establishment of International Literacy Day on 8 September every year since 1966.

UNESCO notes that literacy is a matter of liberty for the human race. As such it calls on nations worldwide to comprehend the problem and find viable solutions for illiteracy. Thailand has been organising activities to raise awareness of the problem and promote literacy since 1967. These measures include the establishment of our first National Non-Formal Education Day on 8 September 1979.”

“Literacy, according to Thailand’s current Prime Minister, General Prayut Chan-o-cha, is not only the ability to read, write, and calculate but also the ability to create a learning platform digitally. In other words, literacy these days involves being multiliterate (especially in English and a third language) in order to obtain more knowledge. Literacy also comprises coding, as we get ever deeper into the digital age.”

“Since its establishment the Office of Non-Formal and Informal Education has been working to reduce illiteracy. However, it is undeniable that there are a number of Thais who remain illiterate. This is partly because some marginalised groups don’t use the Thai language. These include hill tribes people and some inhabitants of the southern border provinces. Promoting literacy in those outside the educational system is therefore the main focus of the Office of Non-Formal and Informal Education. We started by conducting a survey to identify illiterate people. Then we assigned teachers from the Office of Non-Formal and Informal Education or volunteer teachers to teach reading and writing to those who couldn’t. The department has continuously evolved a learning platform into the global adult education system so Thai people can get the educational foundation they need. The courses are comparable to completing primary school grades 4 and 6, secondary school, and high school. Every year, many of those who have an educational background provided by the Office of Non-Formal and Informal Education are able to continue their studies at university.”

“Furthermore, the Office of Non-Formal and Informal Education has developed educational personnel, educational systems, and educational media. The department started with in-class education and is now developing an effective online learning system. This has been speeded up in light of the COVID-19 outbreak. In response to the pandemic, the Office of Non-Formal and Informal Education improved staff performance with respect to communication technology so they would be amenable to online education. As for areas without an internet connection, local divisions of the department have organised classes with social distancing precautions taken. These adequate steps allow the problem of illiteracy in Thailand to be solved systematically and in a way that is international’s recognised.”

Dr. Disakul also mentioned that in order for learning to be continuous and fruitful, teachers in local departments should promote education by constantly feeding learners information. They should also organise activities to promote an educational environment. These may include inviting people to use the public library or attend vocational skills workshops that bring a better quality of life to the community.

“As for the activities at this year’s International Literacy Day, because of COVID-19 they will be held in a common area of the ceremonial hall at the Bangkok Teacher’s Council. The schedule on 8 September 2020 will include a speech on International Literacy Day by the Permanent Delegation of the Kingdom of Thailand to UNESCO. A message from the Prime Minister will be read by Mr. Nataphol Teepsuwan; Minister of Education. Moreover, the Office of Non-Formal and Informal Education will present awards to outstanding officers.”

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