Thai Embassy joined American school in celebrating International Literacy Day

September 8^th was proclaimed by the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as the International Literacy Day to highlight the importance of literacy to individuals and societies. According to the UNESCO, literacy is “a fundamental human right and the foundation for lifelong learning. For individuals, families, and societies alike, it is an instrument of empowerment to improve one’s health, one’s income, and one’s relationship with the world.” (Source: UNESCO)

 

Thailand is among the countries with the highest literacy rates. Among the 67 million population in Thailand, 93.5 per cent is literate (Source: UNICEF). Thailand is implementing an education for all policy. All children must receive 9 years compulsory education. This is further reinforced by the 15-year free education program for all, from kindergarten up to high school level, regardless of nationality.

To celebrate this year’s International Literacy Day, the Royal Thai Embassy joined some other embassies in Washington, D.C., to read a book of their choice to Pre-K student classes at Cleveland Elementary School, a District of Columbia Public School in North West of Washington, D.C.

 

The Embassy chose to read a book “How the Eagle & the Elephant Became Friends” to the students. It tells a story of Ben, son of a U.S. Ambassador to Thailand, who travels to Thailand to learn about the country and its relations with the United States which date back for almost 200 years. You can also read the book via the link below.

 

 

 

 

How the Eagle & the Elephant Became Friends

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Kanoknate Kramer