Literacy is the ability to read and write, and according to UNESCO terminology, the ability to understand everyday messages. On its website, UNESCO states that in 2024,
at least 740 million young people and adults worldwide were illiterate, two thirds of them women. It is almost incomprehensible that in the 21st century, in an age of advanced technologies that have drastically changed the way we live and perceive the world around us, almost
10% of the world's population
is still illiterate.
The emergence of writing systems...
The first writing systems began to emerge around 5,500 years ago. The earliest known records appeared in Mesopotamia around 3300 BCE, initially used mainly to record economic data. Over time, the use of writing expanded to other areas, including religious, political, literary, and scientific texts. Writing thus became an important means of recording, preserving, and transmitting information. (Spar, 2004)
Although the first writing system was developed so early, it was not until the
introduction of
compulsory schooling in the 18th century that literacy in Slovenia began to lose its status as a skill of a privileged minority, as only 3% of the population was believed to be literate at that time. Since then, the literacy rate in Slovenia has risen steeply, and in 1991 only 0.46% of the population aged 15 and over was still illiterate. Due to the extremely low proportion of illiterates, literacy was no longer included in subsequent national censuses.
Today, we talk about different types of literacy (functional, mathematical, digital, computer, media, information, cultural, health, ecological, etc.), among which we want to highlight
functional literacy. Functional literacy consists of reading and writing skills, as well as reading comprehension and the ability to apply the acquired information in everyday life, whether for learning or for work tasks. A person should, for example, be able to read a newspaper, successfully read a bus timetable, read the weather forecast, manage household expenses, etc.
While the problem of general literacy is significantly smaller today than in the past, there has been a growing concern about
functional illiteracy in recent years. Research, development, and education in the field of literacy in Slovenia is the primary focus of
The Slovenian Institute for Adult Education. A survey carried out in 2016 found that adults in Slovenia are well below the OECD average. As many as one third of 16-65 year olds (around 400 000 adults) have difficulties with reading, writing and simple arithmetic in their daily lives. They can only read short, simple texts and solve mathematical problems with basic arithmetic operations. As opposed to total illiteracy, people can hide their functional illiteracy to a certain extent and manage to cope with it despite the difficulties it causes them.
Functional literacy is vital for success, as it has a significant impact on human potential and the development of key competences for adults in today's fast-paced technological society. Low functional literacy represents a major barrier to career progression or in acquiring additional skills, therefore it is essential to invest in better functional literacy for adults. A society can only thrive with successful individuals.
International Literacy Day is celebrated on 8 September...
September 8th was proclaimed as International Literacy Day by UNESCO in 1966. The proclamation was intended to remind the public of the importance of literacy for human dignity and of literacy as a basic human right. Despite the progress made, literacy challenges persist for nearly 770 million illiterate people worldwide, the majority of whom are women, who still lack the basic skills of reading and writing and are therefore especially vulnerable.
The year 2026 marks the 60th anniversary of International Literacy Day, and this year's celebration is guided by the theme "Literacy for people, the planet and prosperity", highlighting the role of literacy in fostering a more inclusive, peaceful, equitable and sustainable society.
Book corners at the University of Maribor and support for the development of literacy...
To mark this year's International Literacy Day, the University of Maribor, in partnership with the University of Maribor Library, is creating book corners in the libraries of all its member institutions, which will be available to visitors from 7 to 13 September 2026. The initiative aims to encourage students, staff and visitors to engage in reading and to highlight the importance of literacy as a foundation for lifelong learning, critical thinking and personal development. The book corners will offer a selection of books and reading recommendations, providing an opportunity for everyone to dedicate some time to reading in celebration of International Literacy Day.
Book Corner at the University of Maribor Library:
Book Corner in the Library at the Faculty of Health Science UM:
Book Corner in the Library at the Faculty of Criminal Justice and Security UM:
Book Corner in the Library at the Faculty of Economics and Business UM:
Book Corner in the Library at the Faculty of Logistics UM
At the University of Maribor, we pay particular attention to creating a supportive environment for the development of various forms of literacy that help students succeed in their studies and prepare them for life and work after graduation. An important role in this regard is played by the UM Student Hub, which provides students with expert articles, information and support content on learning, time management, the use of library resources, and other competences essential for a successful academic journey. Among this content is the article
Library - An Important Companion on Your Study Journey, which highlights the importance of information literacy and the critical use of information sources.
An important part of the
UM Student Hub’s activities is represented by ECTS-accredited educational workshops, including workshops on financial literacy, effective learning, communication, digital competences, and other lifelong learning skills. During their studies, students are also provided with additional support in career development through the
UM Career Centre.
A high-quality educational experience is further supported by student-centred teaching at the University of Maribor and by the activities of the UM Pedagogical Network, which facilitates the exchange of good practices and strengthens the pedagogical competences of higher education teachers and staff. Special attention is also given to the most vulnerable groups of students, as accessible support services and inclusive teaching practices make an important contribution to reducing inequalities and creating equal opportunities for the success of all students.
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Spar, I. (2004). The Origins of Writing. The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Javrh, P. (2011). Obrazi pismenosti: Spoznanja o razvoju pismenosti odraslih. Ljubljana: Andragoški center Slovenije.