The 2025 International Literacy Day ceremony was held yesterday morning at the Ministry of Education’s meeting hall in Nay Pyi Taw, attended by Union Ministers, the Chairman of the Nay Pyi Taw Council, Deputy Ministers, senior scholars, permanent secretaries and departmental officials, teachers, students, and invited guests.

The event was opened with a song titled “Education for All” performed by students from Basic Education High School No 11, Zabuthiri Township.

Following this, Dr Chaw Chaw Sein, Union Minister for Education and Chair of the organizing committee for the International Literacy Day ceremony, explained that the day had been officially designated as International Literacy Day on 8 September through a resolution adopted at the World Literacy Congress, held under UNESCO in Tehran, Iran, from 8 to 19 September 1965, attended by education ministers from 89 countries. Just as countries worldwide have since commemorated the day, Myanmar has also celebrated International Literacy Day annually.

This year’s concept note issued by UNESCO highlights both the opportunities and challenges of the digital era. Under the theme “Promoting Literacy in the Digital Era”, Myanmar has been expanding literacy programmes, continuing education initiatives, and remedial education schemes (non-formal primary and secondary education programmes) year by year. These measures aim to reduce the number of illiterate individuals in the country. Following the guidance of the Head of State, relevant ministries and local governments have been working together annually as a national responsibility to improve literacy among rural communities and ethnic groups. Such efforts are expected not only to decrease the number of illiterate people and children who are over-age for school and out of school for various reasons, but also to develop families and local communities. In turn, this will contribute to national development and improve development indicators.

Subsequently, a video clip showcasing literacy initiatives and activities in non-formal education programmes was presented. Students from Basic Education High School No 6 performed the song “Support Literacy”.

The Union minister then presented cash awards to the students who performed during the ceremony and toured the exhibition booths displayed for the 2025 International Literacy Day event.

MNA/MKKS

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