Literacy enhancement as a career choice

Ranjan K Baruah *

Education is the key for any social change or positive development. We know that rapidly changing global context took a new meaning over the past years, hampering the progress of global literary efforts.

In the aftermath of the pandemic, nearly 24 million learners might never return to formal education, out of which, 11 million are projected to be girls and young women. To ensure no one is left behind, we need to enrich and transform the existing learning spaces through an integrated approach and enable literacy learning in the perspective of lifelong learning.

We are aware that 8th September is observed as International Literacy Day (ILD) and this year’s theme is “Transforming Literacy Learning Spaces” which is an opportunity to rethink the fundamental importance of literacy learning spaces to build resilience and ensure quality, equitable, and inclusive education for all.

Since 1967, ILD celebrations have taken place annually around the world to remind the public of the importance of literacy as a matter of dignity and human rights, and to advance the literacy agenda towards a more literate and sustainable society.

The irony and the challenge is that despite progress made, literacy challenges persist with at least 771 million young people and adults lacking basic literacy skills today and this brings opportunity for all those who want to make their career related to literacy.

One may choose a different subject but the best way is to take up subjects like education at the college level or at the masters level and contribute towards the field of enhancing literacy around the world . Education as a subject is taught in the field of arts or humanities or we can say relate to social sciences.

Most of the colleges in different parts of the North Eastern region offer the course. One may choose graduation level courses after passing out senior secondary or may take admission in the university after completing graduation. I have the experience of conducting career workshops with the students of Education from prominent universities including Gauhati University.

There can be different professions when it comes to spreading literacy because both formal and informal ways are needed.

When we talk about literacy, we have to also spread digital literacy as the pandemic has taught us the importance and necessities of digital learning. One of the ways in formal structure to join any educational institution and become a teacher. Opportunity also lies in the informal sector and becoming a trainer or facilitator to enhance literacy amongst masses.

Opportunity lies with the government as well as non government which includes Non Governmental Organisations, Research Institute and also corporate as corporate carry out activities related to literacy under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme.

There are international agencies like UNESCO which also provide opportunities to deserving candidates . In our next edition we shall write about the options related to digital literacy and how it can become a career option for many young people in our region.

Aspirants must remember that mere qualifications may not help us to transform literacy . We need skills like effective communication, passion and also patience if we want positive transformation by spreading literacy. Employability skills and other life skills would certainly help any aspirants to be successful in the field of promoting literacy which can be a career choice for many young people in our regions.