The 2023 World Literacy Award has been awarded to an Ivorian digital entrepreneur and smartphone designer, Alain Capo.
The prize’s website states that it “recognizes individuals and organizations for their outstanding endeavors that promote literacy learning” each year.
At least 16 of the Ivory Coast’s languages can be used to communicate on a smartphone created by Alain Capo.
He stated to the news agency Reuters last year that he designed the phone to allow smartphone use for those who are illiterate.
Speaking at the ceremony at Oxford University in the UK, Mr Capo said he felt honoured: “It’s an amazing honour to receive this award and the global acknowledgment of the work in literacy as we increase access to education and literacy for all.”
He also spoke about what drives him: “I’ve seen, first-hand, the inequalities of education worldwide, and it inspired me to step up and make a difference.”