Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan | 8 September 2026 — GRACE Association, in collaboration with Rotary Club Pakistan, commemorated International Literacy Day 2026 at GRACE Public School & College (GPSC), Skardu, with a vibrant student-led Literacy Awareness Walk, reinforcing the message that literacy is a fundamental human right and a foundation for inclusive and sustainable development.
Marking the 60th anniversary of International Literacy Day, the event highlighted the importance of “Literacy for People, Our Planet and Prosperity for All” and mobilized students, teachers and community members around a shared commitment to ensure that every child—girl or boy—has opportunities to read, learn and thrive.
Students Took the Message to the Community
Around 500 GPSC students, accompanied by teachers and staff, participated in the awareness walk. Beginning at GRACE Public School & College, the procession moved along the Main Skardu Airport Road and through nearby communities, carrying banners and student-made placards while chanting powerful literacy messages.
“Every Child Reads, Every Child Leads,” “Let Every Girl Read, Learn and Lead,” “Read Today, Lead Tomorrow,” “Raise Pens, End Ignorance,” “Literacy Today, A Brighter Tomorrow,” and “Books in Hand, Dreams at Heart” were among the messages in Urdu and local language echoing through the community.
The walk attracted considerable public attention. Community members gathered along the route, while some residents watched and listened from their rooftops as students advocated for education and called for collective action to reach children who remain out of school.
From Awareness to Action
Following the walk, a student assembly provided young advocates and teachers with an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of literacy. Speakers emphasized that literacy is more than the ability to read and write—it enables people to participate meaningfully in society, make informed choices, pursue opportunities and contribute to resilient communities.
Students and staff also pledged to extend the spirit of Literacy Day beyond the event by supporting children and family members in their neighborhoods to strengthen reading and learning skills, demonstrating how individual action can contribute to broader community change.
The initiative complements the ongoing GRACE School Literacy Acceleration Campaign, which is currently engaging nine BS Education students from the University of Baltistan at GRACE Public School Skardu to contribute to literacy and learning improvement efforts.
Literacy as a Shared Responsibility
The celebration reinforced GRACE Association’s belief that achieving literacy for all requires collaboration among schools, families, communities, government, universities, civil society and development partners. Equal opportunities for girls and boys remain central to this commitment.
Through the Literacy Day Walk and continuing literacy initiatives, GRACE Association and its partners aim to transform awareness into practical grassroots action—helping communities recognize that educating every child strengthens not only individual futures, but families, communities and the society.
Every Child Reads. Every Child Leads.
Literacy Today. A Brighter Tomorrow.
