Here is a fact to ponder that I recently discovered from a non-profit organization called LitWorld. Nearly 1 billion people entered the 21st century unable to read a book or sign their name. Wow.
It got me thinking about what it would be like to go through a single day without the ability to read. Off the top of my head I think about today when I read road signs, directions on a cake box, and even the directions on my daughter’s homework. And forget about using the computer to check your e-mail, look up a recipe or find out info on pretty much anything at all. And these are just daily tasks, I am not talking about doing a job outside the home. It would be frustrating… paralyzing, I might even equate this experience to being in prison.
LitWorld is sponsoring the second annual World Read Aloud Day on March 9, 2011. They are an amazing non-profit organization that has a mission to “cultivate literacy leaders worldwide through transformational literacy experiences that build connection, understanding, resilience and strength.” The stakeholders include teachers, parents, community members and children.
On their website they ask this question: “What would you miss most if you could not read or write?” If you really stop to think about this it is a scary thing to consider. I can honestly say I have never really thought what that would look like on a daily basis until now.
I would encourage you to check out their website. It is impressive. http://www.litworld.org/
I would also encourage you to do your part on World Read Aloud Day on March 9th. Happy Reading!!!