A 17-year-old high school student living in Tokyo has been appointed as Japan’s first literacy ambassador, marking a significant milestone for the country within a global youth initiative.
Andrew Kay, the CEO and founder of the foundation, stated that while the program has been active for 12 years, this is the first time a representative from Japan has been chosen. Paudel was selected specifically for her leadership, her passion for literacy, and her dedication to empowering young people. According to Kay, her curiosity regarding the English language and her advocacy efforts have strengthened the program’s global reach and cultural impact.
Promoting Literacy in a Digital Age
Paudel’s personal journey with reading began in her preschool years, encouraged by her father and an early exposure to literature. After returning to Japan to enter the third grade, she navigated the challenge of re-learning the Japanese language through books. Her interest in the subject eventually expanded to include themes of female empowerment, influenced by reading the autobiography of Malala Yousafzai. Looking ahead, she intends to collaborate with the Shanti Volunteer Association to facilitate the collection and donation of books to countries with lower literacy rates, including Nepal.
The appointment comes at a time when
Paudel acknowledges the difficulty of maintaining a reading habit in an era dominated by digital distractions. She emphasizes that literacy is not merely about the mechanics of reading and writing, but about unlocking personal potential and accessing broader opportunities. Her approach to advocacy focuses on encouraging peers to find literature that resonates with them personally rather than adhering to rigid reading lists. By serving as an ambassador, she aims to promote reading as a vital, life-changing practice in a world where digital engagement often takes precedence.
