Qufu, the birthplace of Confucius in Shandong Province on the Chinese mainland, lit up on Saturday night as UNESCO celebrated 20 years of its Confucius Prize for Literacy. The ceremony served as a moment to spotlight projects making real-world impact for vulnerable learners worldwide.
This year, awards went to three standout initiatives in Bangladesh, Ireland and Morocco. These projects span rural adult reading programs in Bangladesh, community learning centers in Ireland and inclusive education hubs in Morocco, each championing literacy and access for women, children and other underserved groups.
Since its launch two decades ago, the Confucius Prize for Literacy has honored 57 projects across 36 countries. As the first UNESCO prize named after a Chinese figure, it shines a light on achievements in literacy, rural education and women’s and children’s learning—and it inspires global attention toward those still on the educational margins.
As educators and changemakers around the world grapple with rising learning gaps, the prize offers a powerful reminder: boosting literacy isn’t just about reading and writing—it’s a catalyst for sustainable change.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
