Ahh, a day that globally makes the hearts of bookworms beat a little faster. World Literacy Day is more than that, of course. The rather sad reality according to UNESCO is that ‘at least 750 million youth and adults still cannot read and write and 250 million children are failing to acquire basic literacy skills. This results in an exclusion of low-literate and low-skilled youth and adults from full participation in their communities and societies.’
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines literacy as “the quality or state of being literate: educated … able to read and write.”
As you are no doubt reading this online, the above illiteracy figures may seem incomprehensible, however, there is a high likelihood of there being many people in our own communities who not only cannot read this post, but are unable to read a book, a road sign, an instruction manual, a prescription bottle label or even a cereal box.
At AquAid, we recognise the importance and value of literacy, which is one of the reasons we continue to donate to charities that implement safe water resources. Although one may not initially see a connection between potable water and literacy, they are most definitely linked.
Across Africa, for both boys and girls, water collection can take time away from their education and sometimes even prevent their attending school altogether.
The charities we donate continue to build clean water resources that free up children’s time, enabling more access to education, including learning to read while attending school.
More than freeing up time, nearby access to a safe water resource means children will be better hydrated, and good hydration means the ability to better concentrate and increased cognitive function.
If you would like to know more about how installing an AquAid water cooler translates into the continued implementation of accessible clean water resources for children and communities in need, we invite you to browse the AquAid website or call us on 0800 772 3003 – we’ll be delighted to assist.
