As many of you may know, today is International Literacy Day, a yearly event which draws attention to literacy needs around the world. Every year this special day, founded by the UNESCO in 1967, provides a great reminder for parents, children, teachers and book lovers across the globe to cherish the gift of reading and help make that gift possible for those who may not otherwise learn how to read. The UNESCO website reminds us that “some 776 million adults lack minimum literacy skills which means that one in five adults is still not literate; 75 million children are out-of-school and many more attend irregularly or drop out.” While these figures are astounding, it helps to know that there are many people out there working hard to make sure that each and every child gets the opportunity to learn how to read.

I love the theme for this year’s celebration: Literacy is Power. While most of us in the Western world take this power for granted, just imagine how limiting it must be for the millions of people who go through life without being able to read the warnings on their medical prescriptions, decipher their bills or even figure out which bus route will take them where they need to go. This sad reality affects more people than most of us can even imagine, but there is hope. By teaching our children to love reading, we are raising a new generation of empowered readers who will be able to use that power to make this world a better place.

By teaching our children to speak and read in more than one language, we are also giving them the even greater power of being able to break down the language barriers which often prevent us from making a difference with our neighbors abroad. This is just one more reason why we encourage bilingual families to make reading a priority at home. If literacy is power, bilingual literacy may just be one of the most powerful tools we can give our children. What a great privelege it is for us to take part in raising this new generation of bilingual readers.

For more information on International Literacy Day and some of the activities taking place around the world, please visit: www.unesco.org