Written by: Rtr. Ravisha Ranasinghe

Every year on September 8th, the world joins together for International Literacy Day (ILD) in reflecting on how literacy helps make societies more equal and sustainable. The theme for 2025 is “Promoting Literacy in the Digital Era”, which defines the meaning of literacy today as not only reading and writing, but also includes the skills necessary to participate in a technology-enabled world.

The meaning of being literate includes being able to access a display of letters on a screen, and also being able to access online tools to share in the information overload and connect with others outside of your locality. New pathways for learning and for sharing knowledge include, but are not limited to, online classrooms, ebooks, digital libraries and artificial intelligence-enabled tools.

While this can all be interesting, for millions of people around the world, they have been left out of these opportunities. The digital divide is real and it continues to deny communities education and potential for empowerment and progress. To promote literacy in this current age of connectivity is not only about providing devices and internet access, but also for individuals to have the capacity skills to use the technology responsibly, creatively, and effectively.

As the Rotaract Club of University of Sri Jayawardenepura, it is our belief that literacy is the pathway to empowerment and equality. Today, on this International Literacy Day, we commit to providing learning spaces for all where everyone can belong and be empowered. We intend to promote the safe and meaningful use of digital technology in everyday life and inspire people to learn, develop, and discover throughout their lives.

Because reading is not just a skill, it is a light of hope. It opens doors to opportunity, sparks imagination and creativity, and leads to a brighter future for all of us. Let us ensure that in our modern digital age, no one will be left behind.

Graphic Design by: Rtr. Buthma Menali