Why does As the Stars of the Sky Foundation promote literacy? I found this quote by Kofi Annan, the former Secretary General of the United Nations, that expresses in a nutshell the answer to that question. Of all the Secretary Generals, I believe that his work to promote literacy throughout the world was the most impressive.
Literacy is key to the successful life of every human being. Without the ability to read, and read well, a child will not progress and reach his/her highest possibilities. To be effective, reading should start from an early age, when the child is very young. This gives the child the ability to learn language and cognitive skills that become of primary importance when starting school.
Literacy fights poverty because a literate person has the tools to improve his/her life and earn a good living. A person who cannot read or read well is often left to do the low paying jobs and then struggles to support a family. Poor healthcare unfortunately results as well.
Literacy is the key to development of our towns and cities. Without a literate population, government services cannot be performed properly and as needed.
From a Christian perspective, literacy enables a child to reach his/her divine destiny. I strongly believe that God has given each of us a divine destiny which He wants us to achieve. Literacy is the means by which we will be able to do the work that we are called to do.
Yes, it is ultimately a bridge from misery to hope, as Kofi Annan states!
