Deadline: 13-Jun-21
UNESCO is accepting applications for its International Literacy Prizes 2021 to encourage all champions in the field of literacy learning to apply for the prestigious UNESCO International Literacy Prizes and engage and nominate their favorite candidates from around the world.
The theme highlights innovative practices that literacy promoters have been initiating as a way to ensuring the continuity of literacy learning during the COVID-19 crisis.
By finding solutions for continuing literacy learning for even the most vulnerable populations has made a difference during a critical time, where face-to-face teaching and learning is restricted.
In line with the UNESCO Strategy for Youth and Adult Literacy, the focus is, but not limited to, literacy learning in a lifelong learning perspective.
Throughout the pandemic, distance learning has shown many faces and been supported by high-, low- and no tech solutions as well as hybrid learning that combined face-to-face learning.
Since 1967, the UNESCO International Literacy Prizes have rewarded excellence and innovation in the field of literacy. Over 500 projects and programmes around the world have already received recognition and support for their excellent work.
Types of Prizes
UNESCO distinguishes between two Literacy Prizes which are given to six laureates in total:
- The UNESCO King Sejong Literacy Prize (3 awards), was established in 1989 and is supported by the Government of the Republic of Korea. It gives special consideration to programmes that promote mother language-based literacy development.
- 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 literacy, including functional literacy, leveraging technological environments, in support of adults in rural areas and out-of-school youth.
Prize Details
- The UNESCO King Sejong Literacy Prize (3 awards): Each of the three UNESCO King Sejong prizewinners receives a medal, a diploma and US$20.000.
- The UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy (3 awards): Each of the three UNESCO Confucius prizewinners receives a medal, a diploma and US$30.000.
Eligibility Criteria
- Governments, non-governmental organizations and individuals who promote literacy through projects and programmes are welcome to apply.
- 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.
- National Commissions and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in official partnership with UNESCO are encouraged to nominate individuals, institutions and organizations who are making outstanding contributions to promoting literacy and who request a nomination.
For more information, visit https://en.unesco.org/news/call-applications-and-nominations-2021-edition-unesco-international-literacy-prizes