Deadline: June 17, 2018
UNESCO invites applications and nominations for the 2018 UNESCO International Literacy Prizes. This year, the Prize will award outstanding programmes and individuals who promote literacy around the world within the theme of ‘Literacy and Skills Development’.
Since 1967, the UNESCO International Literacy Prizes have rewarded excellence and innovation in the field of literacy. Over 485 projects and programmes undertaken by governments, non-governmental organizations and individuals around the world have already received recognition and support for their excellent work. Through two prestigious Prizes, UNESCO supports effective literacy practices and encourages the promotion of dynamic literate societies to close the literacy gap of approximately 750 millions of people.
Prizes
UNESCO distinguishes between two Literacy Prizes which are given to five laureates:
- The UNESCO King Sejong Literacy Prize (2 awards), was established in 1989 and is supported by the Government of the Republic of Korea. It gives special consideration to programmes that focus on the development and use of mother-tongue literacy education and training.
- The UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy (3 awards), was established in 2005, and is supported by the Government of the People’s Republic of China. This Prize recognizes programmes that promote adult literacy, especially in rural areas and for out-of-school youth, particularly girls and women.
Each of the prizewinners receives a medal, a diploma and US$20.000.
The UNESCO International Literacy Prizes are awarded in an official ceremony on the occasion of the International Literacy Day (8 September).
Eligibility
- Open to individuals, institutions and organizations around the world working to promote literacy.
- Concerned governments of UNESCO Member States and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in official partnership with UNESCO are encouraged to take into account individuals, institutions and organizations who have made outstanding contributions to the promotion of literacy and requested a nomination.
- All applications should be submitted to nominating entities, such as the National Commission for UNESCO in the country of the programme, or an NGO that is in an official partnership with UNESCO.
Selection Criteria
- Relevance to the themes
- Relevance to individuals and societal needs and robustness
- Quality of teaching and learning
- Impact
- Innovative features
- Sustainability
In addition to these criteria, the project/programme should:
- be ongoing and proven record of innovative work in the field of literacy for at least three years.
- have not been awarded the UNESCO International Literacy Prizes in the past five years.
- promote literacy through effective and innovative projects or programmes.
Application
Calling all individuals, institutions & organizations around the world working to promote literacy! The call for applications and nominations for the UNESCO International Literacy Prizes is now open.
Applications can be submitted via the online platform.
For more information, visit UNESCO.
