8 September, marks International Literacy Day!

Since 1967, International Literacy Day (ILD) celebrations have taken place annually around the world to remind the public of the importance of literacy as a human right.

The UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) theme for this year ‘"Promoting multilingual education: Literacy for mutual understanding and peace". Find out more about International Literacy Day and how it is celebrated internationally

NALA has lots of ways of how you can mark this day. Today we are publishing our general election asks for adult literacy. We also share testimonials from learners about the benefits of returning to education, you can sign up to an upcoming plain English webinar and we have two exciting upcoming events for adult literacy student. Find out more below.

Thank you again for your ongoing support.

Kind regards,

From all the team at the National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA)

1. Use plain language in the election campaign.
2. Require publicly funded organisations to use plain language.
3. Use the National Training Fund for training at Levels 1 – 4.
4. Put targeted resources behind Government literacy strategies.
5. Adopt the European Digital Competence Framework.
6. Develop a strategy for ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages).
7. Appoint a Minister of State for Lifelong Learning.

Can you help us spread the word?

Lots of people struggle with spelling, maths or technology, but there are free ways to improve these skills. You can learn with your local Education and Training Board centre, or Learn with NALA online or over the phone.

If you, a friend or family member could benefit you can:

• Freephone NALA on 1 800 20 20 65
• Visit the NALA website to find our more

Improve your plain English skills

Want to make your organisation more accessible to people with unmet literacy needs?

To mark International Literacy Day why not register for our free plain English webinar series.

We will discuss prioritising plain English and designing forms, creating leaflets and writing for the web. Plain English gives people information they understand and enables them to make informed choices.