The Children and Youth Foundation’s Reading Hour literacy campaign, which is being organised for the second time, challenges us to spend an hour with books on 8 September, UN International Literacy Day.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, we are living in exceptional times and our daily lives have changed in many ways. Especially at a time like this, the experiences delivered by reading and books are important. At best, a book can be like a much-needed moment with a friend or a journey into a new world.
Reading also has many other benefits. It develops our ability to think and express ourselves. The better we are able to share our thoughts with others, the better we will be heard.
I encourage everyone to take part in the challenge, and I wish you rewarding moments with the book of your choice!
But, of course, let’s read at other times as well.
Sauli Niinistö, President of the Republic of Finland, Patron of the Read Hour literacy campaign 2020
