Education is a must for envisaging a better tomorrow

In 1965, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) declared September 8 to be International Literacy Day. Since this proclamation, schools, communities and organisations have united around the world to raise awareness with the hope that it will enable us to increase accessibility to education in developing nations.

This year, the World Literacy Foundation has created an innovative campaign that aims to eliminate the digital divide for students in the developing world and increase student engagement with a digital learning platform.

According to Unesco’s Global Monitoring Report, one in five people are illiterate and two-thirds of them are women. But it isn’t solely aimed at those who are illiterate. The goal of this observance is to reinforce the importance of the written word to everyone, for every subject. It also encourages health, literature, gender equality, peace and empowerment.

Education is a fundamental element for the development of a nation and the best investment is in its youth. This is the reason that the UAE Vision 2021 emphasises the development of a first-rate education system, which will require a complete transformation of the current education system and teaching methods. The Ministry of Education’s strategy is grounded on the vision that a diversified and flexible knowledge-based economy will be powered by skilled Emiratis and strengthened by world-class talent to ensure long-term prosperity for the UAE.

Education reform focuses on better preparation, greater accountability, higher standards and improved professionalism. Literacy, on the other hand, shapes the lives of human beings and builds up their cultural identity. It is celebrated to encourage people towards getting continuous education and understanding their responsibilities towards their family, society and the country in which they live.

- The reader is a teacher based in Dubai. is, by profession a teacher in English, Dubai.