Aditi Paudel, a 17-year-old high school student residing in Tokyo, has made history as Japan's inaugural literacy ambassador for the World Literacy Foundation. This appointment places her among approximately 900 young individuals, aged 16 to 25, from over 100 countries participating in the global program.
A Global Voice for Literacy
The World Literacy Foundation, an Australian-headquartered global nonprofit, has been fostering youth ambassadorship for 12 years. Paudel's selection marks a significant milestone as she is the first representative from Japan. Andrew Kay, CEO and founder of the World Literacy Foundation, lauded Paudel for her exceptional leadership, profound passion for literacy, and unwavering commitment to empowering young people in Japan.
Kay emphasized that Paudel's curiosity about English has shaped her thoughtful advocacy, enhancing the program's global reach and cultural impact. Her personal journey began with an early love for reading, sparked by her grandfather giving her a Devanagari newspaper as a preschooler, an experience that profoundly shaped her identity as a reader.
Bridging Cultures: Japan and Nepal
Paudel's unique upbringing, having been born in Japan and spending her early childhood in Nepal before returning to Japan for third grade, has deeply influenced her perspective on education. The adjustment involved relearning Japanese, making books and reading integral to her formative years. Her father further nurtured this interest by providing her with books, leading to her absorption in fantasy novels like Enid Blyton's “The Wishing-Chair.”
For Paudel, literacy transcends mere reading and writing; she describes it as “something that helps you open doors for more opportunities.” This belief is particularly informed by the stark contrast in literacy rates between Japan (approximately 99%) and Nepal (around 76%), where a notable gender divide also exists (84% for men, 69% for women).
Her parents' challenging educational backgrounds and her exposure to Malala Yousafzai’s autobiography, “I Am Malala,” have strengthened Paudel's resolve to ensure women globally have access to education and literacy. She plans to collaborate with organizations like the Shanti Volunteer Association to collect and donate books to countries with lower literacy rates, including Nepal, and to work with children with disabilities.
Addressing Declining Reading Habits
Paudel's ambassadorship comes at a critical time when reading habits are shifting, even in highly literate nations like Japan. A recent study by the Benesse Educational Research & Development Institute and the University of Tokyo revealed that nearly half of elementary, junior high, and high school students in Japan do not read books.
Andrew Kay expressed concern that fewer young people are reading for pleasure, a trend he believes could have regressive effects, comparing it to a significant step back in societal literacy. He also cautioned against the potential impact of artificial intelligence, suggesting that readily available quick answers might diminish the effort young people put into researching, reading, and engaging with complex ideas.
As a teenager, Paudel understands the omnipresent allure of smartphones and social media. She stresses the importance of making reading a habit, encouraging young people to find books that resonate with them and broaden their perspectives, rather than adhering to a rigid list of classics. “Reading is such a fun thing to do. It gives you so much knowledge, it gives you a new sense of ideology, a new sense of mind,” Paudel affirmed.