Meet Aditi Paudel, the 17-Year-Old Student Appointed Japan’s First Literacy Ambassador

A love for books that began in early childhood has taken 17-year-old Aditi Paudel from the pages of fantasy stories to a global platform for literacy advocacy. The Tokyo-based high school student has been appointed Japan’s first literacy ambassador by the World Literacy Foundation, recognising her passion for reading and commitment to empowering young people.

Born in Japan and raised in Nepal during her early childhood, Paudel developed an affinity for reading at a remarkably young age. One of her earliest memories involves her grandfather giving her a newspaper filled with Devanagari script while she was still in preschool. To the surprise of those around her, she was able to make sense of the text.

Her interest in books continued to grow, encouraged by her father, who regularly bought her books. Paudel developed an early fascination with fantasy literature and recalls particularly enjoying Enid Blyton’s The Wishing-Chair.

After returning to Japan to join the third grade, Paudel had to readjust to life in the country and relearn Japanese. Books once again became an important part of her journey.

The World Literacy Foundation’s youth ambassador programme currently brings together around 900 young people aged between 16 and 25 from 101 countries. Although the programme has been running for 12 years, Paudel is the first ambassador appointed from Japan.

According to Andrew Kay, founder and CEO of the World Literacy Foundation, Paudel was selected for her leadership, passion for literacy and commitment to empowering young people.

Her advocacy is closely linked to her belief that literacy is more than simply the ability to read and write. For Paudel, literacy is a tool that opens doors to education, opportunity and personal growth.

“Being literate is so important because even though you have the potential, you can never unlock it if you do not have literacy,” she said.

Reading Malala Yousafzai’s autobiography, I Am Malala, also strengthened Paudel’s interest in female empowerment and the importance of ensuring that girls and women have access to education.

She has plans to support children with disabilities and work with the Shanti Volunteer Association to collect and donate books to Asian countries with lower literacy levels, including Nepal.

Paudel’s appointment comes at a time when concerns are growing about declining reading habits among young people. A recent study by the Benesse Educational Research & Development Institute and the University of Tokyo found that around half of school-age children in Japan do not regularly read books.

As artificial intelligence, social media and smartphones increasingly compete for young people's attention, Paudel believes developing a reading habit has become more important than ever.

Her advice is simple: young readers should not feel pressured to begin with literary classics. Instead, they should find books that genuinely interest them and gradually explore stories and ideas that expand their understanding of the world.