Teach Your Children About the Role Jazz Has Played in Uniting People Throughout the World

       I love encouraging parents to have their children learn about and participate in various musical events.  Music has so many benefits for children, not only in their learning to play a musical instrument but importantly also in understanding the rich heritage of various forms.  Today, I would like to share about jazz, since International Jazz Day is on April 30.

       Jazz music dates from the late 19th to early 20th centuries and has roots in New Orleans, Louisiana, beginning as a mixture of African slave folk songs and chants and European classical music and evolving over time.  It uniquely blends African and Caribbean music with marching band instruments and “the blues” and is referred to as “a melting pot” of music.

       International Jazz Day was established by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in November 2011 “in order to highlight jazz and its diplomatic role of uniting people in all corners of the globe.”  On the website jazzday.com, the following information is provided:

International Jazz Day brings together communities, schools, artists, historians, academics, and jazz enthusiasts all over the world to celebrate and learn about jazz and its roots, future, and impact; raise awareness of the need for intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding; and reinforce international cooperation and communication. Each year on April 30, this international art form is recognized for promoting peace, dialogue among cultures, diversity, and respect for human rights and human dignity eradicating discrimination; fostering gender equality; and promoting freedom of expression.

       The website has a wide variety of educational resources for individuals as well as educators for April 30 and all year long. Additionally, there are news articles, information about events, and videos.  There is a wealth of information for you and your family, including a toolkit with resources. 

For more information, please visit:

https://jazzobserver.com/the-origins-of-jazz/

https://jazzday.com/educational-resources/

International Literacy Day Emphasizes Literacy During the Pandemic & After

What is International Literacy Day and why set aside a day to celebrate literacy?  The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) established this special day in 1966 to be celebrated on September 8 every year.  It strongly believes that “literacy can’t wait” and dedicating this day serves “to remind the public of the importance of literacy as a matter of dignity and human rights.”  

            There are at least 5 reasons why literacy is important to everyone:

1.     It promotes our understanding and advancement of health, including brain health.

2.     It allows adults and children to participate actively for the betterment of their communities.

3.     It enables effective communication.

4.     It allows for employment advancement.

5.     It is the key to empowerment as it builds knowledge and self-worth. 

During the Covid19 pandemic, UNESCO has been growingly concerned about what it has found to be the “unpreparedness of infrastructure, education systems, programs, and people for ensuring the continuity of teaching and learning in such a situation.”  Shedding a bright light on this will enable countries all over the world to address the importance of helping teachers to be better educators and to work diligently on improving technology so that education does not lag behind.

To learn more, visit:

https://worldliteracyfoundation.org/international-literacy-day/

https://nationaltoday.com/international-literacy-day/