Kaviveterue Virere
The Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture, has officially pre-launched the 2025 National Readathon campaign under the theme “Read Namibia: Break the Silence, Build Minds – Focus on Mental Wellness.”
The launch took place on Wednesday, 3 September, at Dagbreek School in Windhoek where Sarah Negumbo, director of the Namibia Library and Archives Service, delivered a speech on behalf of education minister Sanet Steenkamp.
She highlighted that reading remains a strategic national priority and lies at the core of Namibia’s growth.
“Reading is not only for academic purposes. It is about knowing who we are, making connections with other people, and discovering the world in ways that appeal to our emotions and intellects,” the minister said.
Steenkamp emphasised that the absence of a thorough early grade reading framework is one of the main issues confronting the nation educational system and added that low levels of literacy, numeracy, and digital abilities seen among pupils are a result of this divide, which was brought to the fore during the 2022 National Conference on Education.
“Sadly, a large number of learners are entering Grade 4 lacking sufficient reading comprehension. This includes children with special needs, who should have equal access to inclusive and accessible learning support in order to succeed,” the minister said.
To enhance the foundations of learning, the ministry has launched a nationwide literacy and numeracy campaign and the annual National Readathon, organised by the Directorate of Namibia Library and Archives Service, is a focal point of this initiative.
The subject for this year emphasises the connection between mental health and reading. According to Steenkamp, reading is essential for fostering mental health.
“A child who is emotionally distressed will find it difficult to focus, read and interact. Reading has also been demonstrated to improve empathy, lower stress levels, and foster constructive self-expression,” she added.
She added that empowering the youth to “break the silence” around mental health may contribute to the establishment of safe spaces for healing and conversation in communities, libraries and schools.
The minister also emphasised the importance of all pupils, especially those with disabilities, to have access to reading materials in various formats, including picture books, audiobooks, braille, and texts that are supported by signs.
“On the path to literacy, no student should be left behind, and every child must be included and celebrated as we work towards creating a reading nation,” Steenkamp reiterated
The primary National Readathon will be held from 22-26 September 2025, in Gobabis, Omaheke region. But Steenkamp urged every school, area, and public library in the country to organise its own reading programme.
“Gobabis is not the only target of this effort. It is intended for all Namibians. We extend an invitation to all donors, NGOs, the commercial sector, and stakeholders to participate by encouraging a school and supporting an effort that encourages reading. Assist us in placing a book in each child’s hand and a secure environment in each learner’s heart,” she urged.
The minister expressed gratitude to regional education officers, teachers, and librarians for their continued work in fostering a culture of reading in Namibia.
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