To help boost South Africa's reading and writing skills, the country's leading value-added distributor, Networks Unlimited, is supporting UNESCO's International Literacy Day by providing funding to Literacy for Life, a provider of educational writing and reading aids to disadvantaged schools.

Commemorated annually since 1966 on 8 September, this year's celebratory theme embraces Literacy and Sustainable Societies. According to UNESCO, "Literacy is a key driver for sustainable development. Literacy skills are the prerequisite for the learning of a broader set of knowledge, skills, attitudes and values, required for creating sustainable societies. At the same time, progress in areas of sustainable development, such as health and agriculture, serves as an enabling factor in the promotion of literacy and literate environments."

Literacy for Life provides WriteRight products that support children between the ages of three and 12 to develop handwriting skills, improve literacy and numeracy, and overcome barriers to learning.

"We want to inspire as many people as possible to better their lives, not only in the here and now, but also to embrace positive situations that will encourage a bright future for them in the long run," says Anton Jacobsz, MD of Networks Unlimited.

"Even in this technology age, handwriting remains the primary tool of communication and knowledge assessment in our schools, and being able to assist with improving the reading and writing skills of our future leaders is a very fulfilling, yet humbling experience."

Adds Heather Andrew, director at Literacy for Life, "We believe that the education of our children is of the utmost importance, and that providing them with the ability to read and write, will equip them with a skill that will remain with them forever and one that will brighten the future of each child."

International Literacy Day 2015 is celebrated worldwide, bringing together governments, multi-and bi-lateral organisations, NGOs, the private sectors, communities, teachers, learners and experts.

In March this year, Networks Unlimited hosted its inaugural Corporate Charity Golf Day in aid of Literacy for Life. The event raised in excess of R100 000.

Click here to watch an informative video on Literacy for Life:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-HKWDfbA28&feature=youtu.be

If you would like to get in touch with Literacy for Life, please contact Heather Andrew at 082 706 6295.