International Literacy Day
From UNESCO
Resource type: Event
Price band: Free
Key stage: KS1, KS2, KS3, KS4, KS5
Region(s): All of UK
 aInternational Literacy Day was set up by UNESCO and is celebrated around the world on the 8th of September. The theme for 2026 is ‘Literacy for people, the planet and prosperity’.
The aim of International Literacy Day is to remind people of the importance of literacy and its vital role in ensuring that everyone achieves their full potential. With over 750 million adults and young people worldwide who lack basic literacy skills, International Literacy Day highlights the need for initiatives that tackle this ongoing literacy challenge.
Download a free poster to celebrate International Literacy Day 2026.
About UNESCO: UNESCO is the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation. Its aim is to build peace, eradicate poverty and drive sustainable development through international cooperation in the key areas of Education, Science and Culture.
Further resources:
Teaching and learning
- One-to-one reading support can provide the time and personal attention to help develop reading confidence for struggling or reluctant readers. There are many organisations across the country that match volunteers with schools. Find one in your area here.
- Engage reluctant readers by tapping in to their wider interests. Humour can be a way in to reading for some children. The Laugh Out Loud Book Awards (Lollies) provide an opportunity to read and vote for the year’s best funny books. For football fans, the Premier League Reading Stars programme can provide the encouragement and incentive to develop their reading skills.
Get involved
- Sign up for this term’s Future Voices Reading Champions Challenge from the National Literacy Trust. Aimed at pupils aged 5 – 14, the challenge uses picture book texts to explore themes of social justice, community action and making a difference while developing young people’s reading, oracy and critical thinking skills.
Reading recommendations
- Magazines, comics and newspapers can also tap into wider interests, as well as providing a range of different and more accessible formats.
More to explore
- Find free resources to inspire young writers.
- Explore free resources to develop young people’s speaking and listening skills.
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