World Literacy Day 2022

On International Literacy Day 2022, as families and children across Canada head back to school and gear up for another year of learning fuelled by the power of literacy, we at Canadian Women for Women in Afghanistan acknowledge the resiliency and ingenuity of Afghan women and girls, so many of whom have taken learning into their own hands. Having known the freedom and independence that literacy can provide, during two decades of investment in their education, they will not relinquish their rights without a fight – in defiance of the Taliban’s gender apartheid regime, their learning continues. 

It is perhaps appropriate then, that the theme of this year’s International Literacy Day is Transforming Literacy Learning Spaces, which UNESCO urges is “an opportunity to rethink the fundamental importance of literacy learning spaces to build resilience and ensure quality, equitable, and inclusive education for all.” Afghan women, girls and entire communities know this importance, and are finding ways to creatively transform their literacy learning spaces to ensure continued access to education, and CW4WAfghan is proud to be part of this global movement through the provision of quality learning opportunities and materials.  

Our Darakht-e Danesh Library houses digital learning materials including books, storybooks, lesson plans. Our synchronous DD Classrooms allows virtual learning in real time. And to address the fundamental challenges of access, we have launched a support program providing internet packages so that girls and women can access these virtual learning environments. Meanwhile our scholarships program continues to grow. Our UNESCO funded work to make 100 storybooks accessible for children with disabilities in Afghanistan recently concluded, adding a new collection of accessible books in a variety of formats available to Afghan children with diverse needs. We continue to add new titles to our digital library daily, titles that are also printed and distributed in our Learning + Baskets so families can keep children learning at home. These are just some of the highlights of how we’re working to keep literacy growing, despite the monumental challenges facing Afghans seeking to realize their right to education.

Literacy isn’t simply a question of the right to reading; it can transform and save lives. A child born to a mother who can read is 50% more likely to survive past the age of 5 than a child born to an illiterate mother. As an organization committed to the belief in education for all, and the transformative power of literacy learning, CW4WAfghan works today and every day together with Afghan women and girls, and advocates for their rights. On this global Literacy Day, we call on the international community to fund and support the emergence of alternative school options that reach Afghans, especially girls, who are currently denied the human right to safe, equitable and quality education.