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International Literacy Day 2023
To set the tone of this year’s celebrations under the theme Promoting literacy for a world in transition: Building the foundation for sustainable and peaceful societies, two separate competitions for poetry and illustration were organized with an enthusiastic response by Nepali students and professionals alike with entries submitted under the following themes:
Literacy for Inclusiveness and Gender Equality
Literacy for Peace and Human Rights
Literacy for Sustainable Development and Income Generation
Literacy for Social transformation through Lifelong learning
Through their work, participants expressed their ideas and opinions on the power of literacy to transform societies to be more inclusive and peaceful. While Barsha Adhikari’s poem ‘Boundless Knowledge’, explores the transformative power of knowledge and education in challenging societal norms and gender roles, Birat Bijay Ojha’s poem ‘I wonder what her story’, mused on if his mother’s life would have been different if patriarchy had not trampled her dreams and opportunities.
It encapsulates the essence of "Literacy for Peace and Human Rights" by portraying a pregnant Nepali woman's journey to empowerment through the pursuit of the right to work, education, and the balanced coexistence of tradition and progress. The illustration stands as a tribute to the countless women who, through their tenacity and resourcefulness, contribute not only to the sustenance of their families but also to the fabric of society itself
Palistha Manandhar through her artwork has depicted Literacy for peace and Human Rights. Peace is reflected by Dove, and Human rights through the justice scale weigh balance, which is tied together through the literacy represented by the books.
Illustrated submissions were equally compelling. Alsu Adhikari’s drawing of a pregnant Nepali woman with a tailoring machine on her head is an evocative representation of a woman's journey to self-empowerment, emphasizing the right to work and the importance of acknowledging the challenges faced by women in balancing their roles and responsibilities. The winning entry is a Mithila painting[1] by Merina Shah – entitled ‘Tales of Mithila: One Woman, Many Roles’, it pays homage to Maithili women who have defied social conventions and promoted literacy and empowerment.
To further commemorate International Literacy Day (8th September), an event was organized by MoEST/CEHRD in collaboration with UNESCO. The event invited policymakers, educators, media personnel and representatives from various governmental and non-governmental organizations under a single roof to discuss the ever-acknowledged values of education and commit for better sustainable ways forward to make quality education accessible for everyone. The Honourable Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Mr. Ashok Rai, and the Honourable State Minister for Education Ms. Pramila Kumari, graced the event as well as validating and further acknowledging the importance of literacy and lifelong learning.
If we are determined, there is nothing we cannot do. Therefore, today, we must all commit to making everyone educated.
One of the most awaited part of the event was an inspiring Table-Top story. There was rapt attention when Loonibha Tuladhar, a film and theatre actor, took the stage to narrate and act a story of a low-literate girl who faces abuse in the hands of her husband. The story came to a happy ending when the girl through various non – formal classes run by Community Learning Centers (CLCs), becomes empowered. This one-man-act performance not only drew attention to the importance of child education but also subtly explained the idea of Life long learning.
Furthermore, UNESCO supported Shikharapur CLC to promote broader participation in celebrating International Literacy Day. The model CLC organized a rally, drawing over five hundred enthusiastic participants. The event featured a diverse range of traditional Jhakis (performances), delivering impactful messages, along with the International Literacy Day Slogans as its key highlights. Moreover, Shikharapur CLC hosted an Online Interaction for International Literacy Day 2023, connecting with various CLCs across Nepal. This interactive session saw the active participation of more than 35 CLCs from across Nepal.
Poetry
Murari Prasad Sigdel – 1st position
Shrisha Pandey- 2nd position
Birat Bijay Ojha- 3rd position
Painting/Illustration
Merina Shah- 1st position
Alsu Adhikari- 2nd position
Palistha Manandhar- 3rd position
Given the socio-economic disparity, literacy empowers individuals and levels the playing field. It also helps to create a safe and inclusive space. Promoting literacy in today’s landscape is quintessential to decrease the social divide and to ensure free and fair access to education and opportunities. International Literacy Day is significant to Nepalese youth as it serves as a reminder to us all about the transformative power of education. It also leaves us with the hope of connecting communities of people and leaving no one behind in this ever-evolving world.
During the event, Pramila Kumari, State Minister for Education, presented prizes and certificates to the winners of the Poetry and Painting/ Illustration competitions.
