Today, USAID celebrates International Literacy Day, noting the transformative power of being able to read. Literacy empowers people to build a better future for themselves by unlocking opportunity and opening the door to education, stability, and prosperity.

USAID continues to promote innovative partnerships that help children learn to read, including through the use of braille and assistive technologies. Through initiatives such as the Global Book Alliance and All Children Reading Grand Challenge for Development, USAID is working to bring reading materials to children, educators, and parents all over the world.

Worldwide there are still 250 million children who are unable to read. On this International Literacy Day, USAID reaffirms its commitment to eradicating illiteracy by partnering with governments, civil society, and the private sector to empower children and youth around the world through quality education.