Friday November 2, 2007
Joint initiative to fight illiteracy
By VIVIENNE PAL
IN AN age when global development is taking place at a rapid pace, the rate of illiteracy in the world is still staggering.
According to Unicef Malaysia deputy representative Dr Rudi Luchmann, studies by Unicef, Unesco and other NGOs have shown that educating primary school children comes at a very high cost.
“Studies have shown that putting children in schools can reach about US$7billion to US$15billion,” said Luchmann at the launch of the Power to Write Campaign held at the Pavilion Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday.
The campaign is a global initiative between Montblanc and Unicef to promote increased literacy among children.
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Joining forces to promote literacy: (From left) Montblanc SouthEast Asia Pte Ltd managing director Catherine Ang, Dr Siti Hasmah, Tiara Jacquelina and Luchmann checking out the special edition Meistersuck 149 pen. |
The partnership between Unicef and Montblanc, which began in 2004, continues this year with Montblanc raising funds through the sale of its newly released special edition iconic Meisterstück 149 pen.
The pen comes with an optional signature engraving of a well-known personality, and is packaged in a sleek black jacket touting its slogan 'The Power to Write'.
Malaysians have the option of purchasing the special edition Meisterstück 149 bearing the signature of Tun Dr Mahathir or Datin Seri Tiara Jacquelina.
Both join a list of personalities around the world who have lent their signatures, including Lucy Liu, Placido Domingo and Barry Zito.
For every pen sold until Dec 31, about RM550 (US$149) will be donated in support of the Unicef education programmes in Latin America, Africa and Asia, particularly India.
“There are about 115 million children of primary school age in the world who are not in school, with the most shortfalls in Africa and South Asia, affecting especially girls,” said Luchmann, adding that Malaysians have taken literacy for granted.
Dr Siti Hasmah agreed, adding that despite the development in the country and the government's effort in advocating education, illiteracy was still present.
“In Malaysia, 4% of primary school students and 0.8% of secondary school students have not mastered reading, writing and arithmetic,” said Dr Siti Hasmah.
“Illiteracy slows down the process of nation-building and frustrates the government's plan for development. There is no shortcut in eradicating illiteracy; we all have a role to play, and it should be everyone's business.”
The Tun Dr Mahathir and Datin Seri Tiara Jacquelina Meisterstück 149 and accompanying thank you letters are available at the Montblanc boutiques at Pavilion KL and Suria KLCC. The pen is retailing at RM2,330 and will be available till Dec 31.
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