This September 8 join UFCW Canada in acknowledging International Literacy Day by sharing a new poster that draws attention to the many literacy challenges that impact millions of adults around the globe every day.

International Literacy Day was established in 1965 by UNESCO to highlight the importance of literacy to individuals, communities and societies.

Over 796 million adults throughout the world lack minimum literacy skills. In fact, one in five adults is not literate and two-thirds of those adults are women. To make matters more concerning, 75 million children are out-of-school and many more attend irregularly or drop out.

In depth research by UNESCO demonstrates that there is a clear connection between illiteracy, severe poverty, and prejudice against women.

On International Literacy Day each year, UNESCO reminds the international community of the status of literacy and adult learning globally.

To support the global campaign for literacy and social justice, UFCW Canada is calling on activists to spread the word about the importance of literacy by sharing the new International Literacy Day poster in their workplaces and social networks.

French and English versions of the 2011 UFCW Canada International Literacy Day poster are now freely available at www.ufcw.ca/posters.