Reading Opens Doors: Why Literacy Still Matters

Literacy Is a Foundation

September 8 marks International Literacy Day, and 2026 marks the 60th anniversary of the global observance.

UNESCO describes literacy as a fundamental building block for acquiring knowledge, skills and greater opportunity. Despite decades of progress, the organization reports that four in ten children worldwide are still not reaching minimum proficiency in reading.

Those numbers are global.

But supporting literacy is also something communities can do locally.

It happens when a teacher puts the right book in a student’s hands.

When a parent reads with a child.

When a classroom has enough books to give students choices.

When a neighborhood makes reading materials easier to access.

And sometimes it happens when a child simply discovers one story that makes them want to read another.

Access Matters

Children are naturally curious.

The challenge is making sure they have opportunities to explore that curiosity.

Access to books at home, at school and throughout the community gives children more chances to find subjects, characters and stories that connect with them.

Not every child will fall in love with the same book.

That is exactly the point.

One student might want dinosaurs.

Another wants superheroes.

Someone else wants sports, science, fantasy, history or a story about a kid who looks a little like them.

The more opportunities children have to encounter books, the more opportunities they have to discover that reading can belong to them.

Small Resources Can Create Big Opportunities

At ValorCares Foundation, much of our work starts with practical needs.

School supplies.

Classroom resources.

Books.

Support for teachers.

Community projects that put useful resources where families can actually reach them.

None of those things, by themselves, can guarantee a child’s success.

But removing one small barrier can create one more opportunity.

A student who has the supplies needed for class can focus on learning.

A teacher with additional resources has more options for reaching students.

A child who can easily grab a book has another opportunity to practice reading, learn something new or simply enjoy a story.

That matters.

Literacy for People, the Planet and Prosperity

UNESCO’s theme for International Literacy Day 2026 is “Literacy for people, the planet and prosperity.” The theme recognizes literacy not simply as an academic skill, but as something connected to participation, opportunity and stronger communities.

We like that idea.

Strong communities are built by people who have opportunities to learn, contribute and imagine something better.

Supporting literacy is one small way all of us can help create those opportunities.

Keep the Story Going

This International Literacy Day, we encourage families to read together.

Donate a book.

Support a classroom.

Visit your local library.

Share a favorite childhood story with someone younger.

Or simply ask a child what they are reading right now.

Sometimes opening one book is all it takes to open another door.

ValorCares Foundation works to connect students, teachers and communities with practical resources that make a difference. Learn more about our work or make a secure donation at

https://www.valorcaresfoundation.org/donate