September 8, 2025:
Shantiniketan Indian School celebrated International Literacy Day with great enthusiasm across all stages of learning. The celebrations aimed to instill the joy of reading, highlight the magic of words, and emphasize the importance of literacy in shaping young minds and building a better society.
At the Foundational Stage, the activities were organized under the guidance of Academic Supervisor Ms. Mehjabeen Hasan and Activity Coordinator Ms. Roshini Biju. Our little learners joyfully participated in a variety of fun-filled activities that helped them experience the joy of reading in playful ways. Teachers conducted engaging storytelling sessions using picture books and puppets, capturing the children’s imagination and curiosity. Students expressed their creativity through drawing and coloring their favorite book characters and reading scenes. Letter games, alphabet puzzles, and rhymes further strengthened their basic literacy skills, while cozy reading corners set up in classrooms encouraged them to browse colorful books and explore words at their own pace.
In the Preparatory Stage, the program was planned by Academic Supervisor Mr. Wayne Rodrigues with the support of Activity Coordinator Ms. Nazia Tahseen and the preparatory teachers. The day began with a special assembly where students highlighted the value of literacy in building a better future. A short skit portrayed the power of education in transforming lives and empowering communities. Students also participated enthusiastically in bookmark-making, designing colorful bookmarks with inspiring quotes, which they shared with their classmates. Another creative task was invitation card-making, where students designed cards inviting friends and family to join in celebrating literacy, thereby learning the importance of communication skills alongside creativity.
In the Middle and Secondary Sections, the activities were conducted under the guidance of Senior Activity Coordinator Ms. Soumya Mathew with the support of School Librarian Ms. Sindhu Sajeev. The program centered around the theme “Promoting Literacy in the Digital Era” and began with student speeches that underlined literacy as both a right and a responsibility in the modern world. A presentation on global literacy statistics and the challenges faced by millions of people without access to education gave students a deeper perspective. A skit further emphasized the transformative role of education. To encourage active participation and critical reflection, activities such as book reviews, slogan writing, essay writing, poster-making, and speeches were conducted. The school library also showcased books written by inspirational advocates of education such as Malala Yousafzai and Nelson Mandela, reminding students of the resilience and determination required to overcome challenges in the pursuit of learning.
The celebration of International Literacy Day 2025 was a vibrant and enriching experience for all students. From playful reading activities in the early years to creative projects in the preparatory stage, and thoughtful reflections and discussions in the higher classes, the event nurtured a love for reading, creativity, and critical thinking. The day successfully conveyed the message that literacy is not just a skill but a lifelong empowerment tool and a fundamental human rights.
