Unesco Literacy Prizes, 2019

UNESCO is calling for applications and nominations for the 2019 UNESCO International Literacy Prizes, which this year will award outstanding programmes and individuals who promote literacy around the world within the theme of ‘Literacy and Multilingualism’.

Since 1967, the UNESCO International Literacy Prizes have rewarded excellence and innovation in the field of literacy. Over 490 projects and programmes are undertaken by governments, non-governmental organizations and individuals around the world have already received recognition and support for their excellent work.

The promotion of multilingualism as an asset for both literacy and educational development in general and more particularly Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4) and its target 4.6 in terms of inclusivity quality and expanding access. Multilingual education facilitates access to education while promoting equity for populations speaking minority and/or indigenous languages, especially girls and women.

Through two prestigious Prizes, UNESCO supports effective literacy practices and encourages the promotion of dynamic literate societies to close the literacy gap of approximately 750 millions of people.

The deadline for submitting applications for nominations: 16 June 2019 (midnight, Paris time).

The deadline for nominating entities to submit their nominations to UNESCO: 23 June 2019 (midnight, Paris time).

The nominations will be assessed by an independent International Jury, composed of five experts on the basis of the selection criteria. Based on the recommendations of the International Jury, the Director-General of UNESCO will be select the finalists to award the Prizes at the occasion of International Literacy Day (8 September).

Eligibility
- Governments, non-governmental organizations, and individuals are kindly invited to apply;
- All programmes and projects must meet the selection criteria in order to be taken into consideration.

Awards
Currently, there are two UNESCO International Literacy Prizes:
- The UNESCO King Sejong Literacy Prize (2 awards)
Established in 1989, with the support of the Government of the Republic of Korea. It gives special consideration to the development and use of mother-tongue literacy education and training.
Read the statutes.
- he UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy (3 awards)
The UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy, established in 2005, with the support of the Government of the People’s Republic of China. It gives special consideration to literacy amongst adults in rural areas and out-of-school youth, particularly girls and women. Read the statutes.

Each of the five prizewinners receives a medal, a diploma and US$20.000

For more information please visit the following link:
Unesco Literacy Prizes, 2019