National Handwriting Day, Intl. Day of Education and more

Well, we made it through the nasty cold snap and are on to warmer days. OK, not that much warmer, but we will take what we can get. On the plus side, by next Tuesday, the 28th, the sun will be setting after 5 o’clock. - This Thursday, Jan. 23, is National HandwritingDay.Thedatewaschosenbecause it is also John Hancock’s birthday – John Hancock being the U.S. Founding Father whose large, elaborate signature on the Declaration of Independence is probably the most famous signature in the world.

Although we live in a digital age, educators and researchers alike are realizing the value of writing things out by hand. In fact, as of 2024, at least 23 states required cursive writing, also known as penmanship, to be taught in schools. (Wisconsin does not require cursive.) Some educators say that cursive writing helps with reading comprehension, motor skills, and reading historical documents.

Studies show several benefits to handwriting: – People who write down their goals, especially by hand, are more likely to achieve them. It makes you more likely to hold yourself accountable.

– Handwriting forces the brain to slow down to the pace of the pen, which can calm anxiety and reduce overthinking. This is part of why many people find journaling to be an effective stress reliever.

– Students who write notes by hand tend to remember and understand concepts better than students who type notes.

– A handwritten note leaves a lasting impression and creates more of a connection with the recipient than electronic communication ever could.

So maybe today’s the day to dig out your fountain pen and write a “thinking of you” note to send to a friend or relative. - This Friday, Jan. 24, marks the International Day of Education. Although education is something we often take for granted here in the U.S. or even complain about – I certainly did my share of complaining when I had to write long term papers in college – there are many, many people around the world who are not fortunate enough to receive an education. According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), an estimated 258 million children globally are not in school. Children who grow up without education do not have access to the same opportunities and means to improve their lives as adults. The international child sponsorship and advocacy organization Humanium estimates that 759 million adults are illiterate.

There is also a larger gender gap worldwide when it comes to education. While Afghanistan is the only country that prohibits girls from receiving education beyond primary school, many other countries present barriers to girls receiving an education, whether that be cultural norms, wars and conflicts, child marriages, teacher shortages, and economic barriers. For some examples: – Guinea: The average time in education among women over the age of 25 is less than one year.

– Ethiopia: Two out of five girls are married by the age of 18.

– South Sudan: The world’s newest country (established in 2011) has faced much violence and war, with the destruction of schools and families forced from their homes. Almost three-quarters of girls do not even make it to primary school.

– Central African Republic: There is only one teacher for every 80 pupils.

Education is also not free in several countries, such as Uganda, Haiti, Kenya, and the Philippines. In these countries, 30% of families end up having to borrow money to pay for their children’s education.

These statistics put into perspective how valuable an education is, globally speaking. There are a couple of ways you can observe the International Day of Education. One, if you have the means to do so, consider sponsoring a child through an organization such as Compassion to ensure they get an education. It will change not only the child’s life, but very likely the family’s life by helping to alleviate the burden of household expenses. Two, consider volunteering in your local school, even for a few hours a month. Having been in a school setting this past year, I can attest that the needs are great, and most schools are stretched thin when it comes to staffing. And there is a shortage of positive role models in young people’s lives. So consider being that person.

- Jan. 24 is also National Compliment Day. Unlike other gifts, compliments are free and can provide an instant mood boost to the recipient. One 2021 study done by a Cornell researcher found that compliments also consistently improved the mood of the compliment giver. The same study also found that people tended to underestimate how good a compliment would make another person feel. So, compliment away! Just make sure it’s sincere. - Jan. 29, next Wednesday, is the Chinese New Year. A full 20% of Earth’s population celebrates this holiday, and more fireworks are lit off than on any other day of the year.

Chinese New Year, or Lunar New Year, is a 15-day festival that is celebrated annually depending on the sighting of the new moon. Common traditions include feasts with friends and family members, with plenty of seafood and dumplings, which represent wealth. Red is considered a lucky color, so it is seen frequently in decorations. Every year, about 8 billion red envelopes are given out to children and single young family members in Chinese families worldwide. Each envelope contains either an even number of cash or chocolate coins, which both symbolize good fortune and wealth for the new year.

“Seollal,” or the the Korean version of Chinese New Year, also falls on Jan. 29. Traditions include gift giving, eating rice cake soup, kite flying, a board jumping game known as “neolttwigi,” and much more.

Have a pleasant week!

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