Literacy and the Media on International Literacy Day

Dr. Carol Babb

International Literacy Day was commemorated today and its focus was teaching and learning in the COVID-19 crisis and beyond, as well as the role of educators and changing pedagogies.  In Belize, the Ministry of Education reached out to the media to see how a partnership with reporters and broadcasters can help in the delivery of strong messages that promote reading and at all ages.  Chief Executive Officer Dr. Carol Babb, in a moment of role reversal, turned the microphone on us and asked members of the media questions on how to encourage literacy.

Dr. Carol Babb, Chief Education Officer

“Today is International Literacy Day and International Literacy Day 2020 reminds all of us of the importance of literacy.  World Literacy Day is observed every year on September eighth.  Literacy helps people live with dignity and makes them self-sufficient.  The international literacy theme, is Literacy teaching and learning in the COVID crisis and beyond.  And we have come up with our own theme.  The Ministry of Education’s theme is: Literacy, A Priority in a Digital World.  I just wanted to share with you some of the projects that we have done, before we get into the questions.  Some of the major literacy programs that we have launched, we have launched LEAP, I’m sure many of you were with us when we launched LEAP at Unity Presbyterian School. And LEAP is Literacy Empowerment Adult Program.”