On September 8, the world observes International Literacy Day—a day that serves as a reminder of every person’s right to knowledge, education, and the opportunity to participate fully in society. In 2026, UNESCO will mark the 60th anniversary of this day, highlighting literacy as the foundation for well-being, development, and a sustainable future.
For communities in the Donetsk region, this topic holds special significance. Amid a full-scale war, the struggle is not only over territory but also over historical memory, culture, and the right of Ukrainians to define their own identity. Therefore, knowledge of one’s homeland and the ability to critically evaluate information have become vital tools of cultural resistance.
Today, libraries, museums, and cultural institutions in the Donetsk region do more than simply preserve books, museum artifacts, or archival materials. They document community histories, collect oral testimonies, promote Ukrainian literature and cultural heritage, create digital resources, and help people navigate the information landscape.
Local history holds a special place. The history of every community is part of Ukraine’s history. Preserved photographs, documents, family histories, information about notable local figures, traditional songs, crafts, and customs form a living memory and prevent it from being replaced by foreign narratives.
Media literacy is no less important—the ability to verify sources, distinguish between facts and manipulation, and resist the enemy’s information and psychological operations. That is precisely why cultural and library institutions are increasingly becoming spaces not only for reading but also for developing critical thinking.
Thus, International Literacy Day is an occasion to talk about more than just letters, words, and books. It is an opportunity to emphasize once again: knowledge is our resilience, reading is our way of understanding the world, critical thinking is our defense against manipulation, and knowledge of our own culture and history is our foundation for preserving our national identity.