Can Books Break the Barriers?
In 2023, a UNESCO report revealed a shocking fact: Over 750 million adults and children worldwide still lack basic reading and writing skills. Though unfortunate, such a statistic is not entirely unprecedented. In low-income communities, the cost of books and educational materials is a significant barrier to education. Moreover, many regions underfund public libraries and academic institutions. Hence, they lack the resources to make books more accessible as well.
This is especially problematic, as limited access to books directly correlates to lower literacy rates. A 2019 study by the World Literacy Foundation found that children without access to books scored significantly lower on reading assessments than their counterparts with access. Therefore, this emphasises how a lack of access to books can hinder academic performance and long-term socio-economic mobility.
Access to books is also crucial to these communities for several reasons. Firstly, books can reflect diverse experiences, helping marginalised individuals see themselves represented. For example, a book with diverse characters may help readers build greater self-esteem through relatable moments or struggles. Thus, this would allow them to feel more accepted and validated in society.
Additionally, these marginalised groups can benefit from new perspectives introduced through books. Exploring lives different from their own allows individuals to gain greater knowledge of the world around them and to find their place in the broader community. As a result, these individuals become more globalised and are better able to navigate the complex and uncertain challenges in society.
Lastly, the literacy and knowledge gained through books are also extremely valuable. It provides marginalised individuals with the tools to access better opportunities by developing relevant 21st-century skills such as critical thinking and empathy. Consequently, this would empower them to challenge stereotypes and help break the cycle of marginalisation in the broader community.
In conclusion, books are more than just tools for education. They are lifelines for empowerment, representation, and solidarity. They are essential to help individuals break out of the margins. Although access to books is currently not universal, efforts have been made to expand access. For instance, activists have been working with local and national governments to prioritise literacy programs and library funding in underserved areas. Thus, by rallying behind such efforts, activists can help to ensure that the transformative power of books reaches the hands of those who need them most.
