"International Literacy Month"

September 2003

Imagine being unable to read a menu, a street sign or your child's report card. Imagine not being able to use a library, or read an article in a magazine or newspaper. Imagine being unable to pursue a dream. More than 24 percent of Torontonians can read only simple words or sentences. Literacy is everyone's right. It is nothing less than the right to full participation in society.

The City of Toronto, together with community organizations, Boards of Education and the Word on the Street, is working to remove barriers to learning by providing learner-oriented programs and to promote the right to literacy. This year, the City of Toronto also celebrates International Adult Learners Week (September 8-14).

The City of Toronto continues to take a leadership role in the fight for the elimination of all forms of discrimination and disadvantage, and is committed to equal treatment of all people regardless of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, disability, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, same sex partnership, age, marital status, family status, receipt of public assistance, political affiliation, religious affiliation, record of offences or level of literacy.

I, Mayor Mel Lastman, on behalf of Toronto City Council and the 2.5 million people of our great City, do hereby proclaim September 2003 as "International Literacy Month" and September 8, 2003 as "International Literacy Day" in the City of Toronto, and reaffirm our commitment to eliminate illiteracy by the year 2010.