International Literacy Day (ILD), established in 1967 and observed annually on September 8^th, serves as a global reminder to the public of the critical importance of literacy as a fundamental human right. It also highlights the need to advance the literacy agenda towards a more literate and sustainable society.

Despite significant global advancements, literacy challenges persist, with 763 million young individuals lacking basic literacy skills as of 2020. Recent crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, have only served to exacerbate these challenges.

This year, under the theme – “Promoting literacy for a world in transition: Building the foundation for sustainable and peaceful societies”, International Literacy Day 2023 emphasises the pivotal role of literacy in fostering inclusive, equitable, and sustainable communities. *

In addition, ILD2023 serves as an opportunity to accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4), which according to the United Nations, aims to “ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all”.

How YUVA Promotes Literacy in Mauritius

In this era of profound societal transformation, YUVA Mauritius assumes a pivotal role in fostering quality education, healthcare accessibility, promoting empowerment, and facilitating employment opportunities for young individuals. The organisation’s purpose is to break the cycle of poverty and pave the way for a promising future among the youth.

Within the Mauritian context, YUVA actively contributes to facilitating quality education for children, recognising that access to education is absolutely essential to building a future free from poverty. Indeed, by completing their formal education, students find themselves in better positions to secure employment opportunities in their later years.

YUVA’s commitment to enhancing the quality of education is exemplified by a series of meaningful initiatives implemented in Mauritius:

• Remedial classes for secondary schools:

YUVA actively engages in the delivery of remedial classes to secondary schools across Mauritius. These classes are designed to help children increase their pre-writing and writing skills. By addressing these fundamental aspects of education, YUVA provides students with the tools they need to excel academically.

• Free tuition in English and French:

Recognising the importance of language proficiency on academic achievements and employability prospects globally, YUVA offers free tuition in English and French to local students.  Thanks to this opportunity, students are equipped with the necessary linguistic competencies to pursue higher academic performances and enhance their employment opportunities.  

• Promoting school enrollment through material distribution:

In Mauritius, statistics reveal that an average of 6,817 children remain unenrolled in elementary school each year, and 6.44% of lower secondary school kids are not enrolled in school. YUVA addresses this critical issue by actively participating in the distribution of school materials. This effort not only facilitates access to education but also serves as a potent motivator for children and adolescents to attend class regularly, reinforcing their educational journey.

• FIRST Global Mauritius: Promoting STEM education:

YUVA promotes STEM education through an initiative known as FIRST Global Mauritius. It is designed to promote young minds’ interest in STEM disciplines, creating future leaders who will contribute to technological progress.

• Fostering literacy through academic programs:

YUVA’s commitment to promoting literacy is manifested through several transformative programmes, such as the Leadership for Social Change Programme and the Entrepreneurial Mindset Programme. These initiatives are strategically developed with the aim of building a network of young leaders who cooperate to address Mauritius’ most significant challenges and favour sustainable economic growth.

• YUVA Academy: Fostering excellence in education:

Through YUVA Academy, the organisation promotes various educational fields, including the School of Leadership, the School of Business, and the School of Humanities. YUVA Academy is built to deliver excellent learning experiences, providing essential skills and knowledge to empower Mauritius’ youth.

YUVA’s multifaced approach to encouraging quality education and youth empowerment plays a pivotal role in the Mauritius community. By fostering STEM education and promoting literacy through several comprehensive programs, YUVA contributes significantly to the country’s economic growth. Thus, favouring this year’s theme of “building the foundation for sustainable and peaceful societies”.