International Literacy Association is thrilled to launch the Activity Kit for International Literacy Day 2015!
This year’s theme is “The Power of People: Start a Literacy Movement” and the kit is focused on collective action, the power of one to affect a world of many. We wanted to find a cultural example of this power and we were drawn to the rich history of the Philippines.
Over the last 35 years, the Philippine federal government has worked with church communities, private universities, non-governmental organizations and more to tackle illiteracy in the country. According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), just 83.3% of Filipinos age 15 and over were literate. Current statistics show 95.2% of the same population is literate today. With such an impressive success through collective action, the Philippines seemed the an ideal focus for our ILD activity kit.
The Reading Association of the Philippines (RAP), led by president Ani Rosa Almario, was tireless in making this kit authentic, and the result is an engaging set of activities for students from ages 4–18 surrounding literature, games, food, and environment.
Drawing on the immense pool of Filipino talent, the ILD 2015 kit also includes a book list populated by Filipino authors and artists, statistics about the country, and a poster created by noted Filipino illustrator, Liza Flores.
No cultural or educational movement can be made without cooperation. For interactive international implementation of this year’s kit, ILA partnered with ePals, a site that provides global classroom connection tools.
While working on ILD activities, teachers and students can register at ePals, where millions of classrooms are already online. Register for a live virtual meeting or share classroom projects with other participants around the world.
While the kit is downloaded and used around the world, the Philippines will plan for their traditional celebration on International Literacy Day (September 8). With read-alouds, and sometimes a parade, the island nation always commemorates the holiday in high style.
“As with any special event, RAP has made it a point to always gather a lot of people to celebrate a single cause,” Almario said. “I know that ILD celebrations have always had students and teachers doing a fun run in some part of the country or one year when we asked a mayor to read to children from her town and it became a gigantic storytelling event.”
ILA is also encouraging participants to embrace a service project offered to complement the activity kit and theme by building a Little Free Library. With thousands of Little Free Libraries around the world, they can be found on the corner in England or on the back of a bike in the Philippines. By planting one in their own communities, students can make a lasting impression and result of ILD 2015. The kit for the service project includes tips, samples, and classroom integration for every aspect of the planning, construction, and installation of a Library.
Download the ILD 2015 kit today and start planning your celebration. Don’t forget to share your stories and photos via social media using the hashtag #ILD15.
April Hall is editor of Literacy Daily. A journalist for about 20 years, she has specialized in education, writing and editing for newspapers, websites, and magazines.