International Literacy Day will be celebrated around the country in all libraries.
September 8 has been used by UNESCO since the 1960s to be the International Literacy Day.
The theme for the Fiji celebration is "Literacy for Prosperity".
The celebration at the Western Regional Library in Lautoka will start this Thursday and the chief guest will be the divisional education officer western Lorima Voravora.
“This supports one of the government’s mandate which is " to reduce poverty by 2015,” Department of Library Services director Merewalesi Vueti said.
“There will be school-based activities to mark this international event.
“Literacy is not just about educating, it is a unique and powerful tool to eradicate poverty and a strong means for social and human progress.”
The focus of literacy lies in acquiring basic education for all, eradicating poverty, reducing infant mortality, simmering down population growth, reaching gender equality and ensuring constant development, peace and democracy.
“There are sufficient reasons why literacy is the centre of Education for All,” Ms Vueti said.
“Good, quality basic education equips people with literacy potentials for life and further learning.
“Parents are inclined to send their children to school; literate people are prone to access continuing educational opportunities; and educated societies are better geared to keep pace with the pressing development.”
Literacy is considered an effective way to enlighten a society and arm it to facing the challenges of life in a stronger and efficient way.
It also raises the level of personal living, creates and assists change in society.
Government is committed in making Fiji a knowledge based society, which is enshrined in Pillar 9 of the Peoples Charter for Change, Peace and Progress.