International Literacy Day, celebrated annually on 8 September, has been recognised globally since 1966. It reminds us that learning to read and write is a fundamental right, yet in Brazil, and in many other parts of the world, it remains a significant challenge.
According to the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), 9.1 million people aged 15 or older in Brazil still cannot read and, according to the National Institute of Educational Studies and Research in Brazil (Inep), only 59.2% of public school children were literate by the end of the second year of elementary school in 2024.
With the goal of transforming this reality and in line with our goal of creating thriving communities where we operate, Anglo American, in partnership with Fundação da Gide, has been supporting educational initiatives across the state of Minas Gerais, in the municipalities of Conceição do Mato Dentro, Dom Joaquim and Alvorada de Minas, since 2021.
In 2024, 85 literacy-focused initiatives were carried out in these municipalities. Each one represents an important step toward securing these children’s future and highlights the daily dedication of educators and school administrators in shaping more prepared and aware citizens.
In the same year, the Ministry of Education awarded the Literacy Commitment Seal to all three municipalities:
- Conceição do Mato Dentro – Gold Seal
- Dom Joaquim – Silver Seal
- Alvorada de Minas – Bronze Seal
