The International Reading Association (IRA) has announced that Unesco International Reading Association Literacy Prize for 2006 will be awarded to Pakistan's National Commission for Human Development.
Timothy Shanahan, President of the IRA stated this at a presentation held here to mark International Literacy Day, saying the award is being given in recognition of distinctive services rendered by the NCHD in the field of literacy.
Pakistan's Ambassador to the US Mahmud Ali Durrani, who also attended the presentation, jointly organised by the IRA and National Geographic Society, said literacy is also a path out of extremism. He attributed the achievements of the National Commission for Human Development to the vision of President Pervez Musharraf and to the dynamic leadership of its Chairman Dr Nasim Ashraf.
He mentioned that the commission, in collaboration with other organisations, is endeavouring to attain 100 percent literacy in Pakistan, a target set by President Musharraf.
The theme of the event was "Literacy, the Path Out of Poverty". The event was attended by a large number of educators and representatives of various public and private organisations, including USAID, working for the uplift of education, including USAID, from all across the US.
The IRA president emphasised that poverty is one of the major hurdles but it should not bar learning. There are limitations even in the developed countries to tackle the problem of illiteracy. Literacy must increase the productivity in terms of wealth as well as human spirit.
Speakers also highlighted growing awareness to address the global problems of illiteracy and poverty and called for allocation of more resources towards education. They also called for an increased public-private support for carrying out literacy projects and programme in the developing world.