KAMANJAB – Governor of the Kunene Region Marius Sheya has expressed disappointment that inhabitants of the region do not participate in adult education. In a speech read on his behalf by the director of education for Kunene Region, Sheya said: “Significant to note is the fact the literacy rate of Kunene Region stands at 65 percent and the lowest among all the 14 regions. We therefore need to redouble our efforts to realize the 100 percent literacy rate for Namibia by 2030.” Kunene celebrated its Regional Literacy Day last Friday at Khorixas, at the kindergarten at the informal settlement of Donkerhoek.
The weeklong celebration started September 1 and ended on September 8 and was aimed at raising awareness about the importance of literacy and the need to create opportunities for adults and out of school youth to learn. The literacy day was celebrated under the theme, “Promoting Literacy and Skills Development.”
Sheya said it is worrying that not all residents participate in the Adult Education Programmes despite the fact the government through the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture provides free adult education programmes for all Namibians.
Sheya said to reach 100 percent literacy rate from 65 percent the involvement of all stakeholders is needed if they are to make inroads and meet the 2030 target as stipulated in the Education for All Policy (EFA). In this context, Sheya called on all traditional leaders, political leaders, community leaders, NGOs and all the other stakeholders who were present at the Regional Literacy Day to come on board and assist the directorate (of education) towards inclusion of all the residents especially the previously marginalised communities and other minority groups in this free programme. Participants were advised to meet government halfy to achieve its goals for a 100 percent literacy rate by the year 2030.
Namibia joined more than 160 countries celebrating World Literacy Day last Friday. Sheya said the region recognised the fact that people were able to get promoted at their workplaces because of the new life skills and abilities they gain from adult education classes.
Khorixas mayor Elizabeth Geises read the message of United Nations Education Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) director general Audrey Azoulay saying, “Literacy is the first step towards freedom, towards liberation from social and economic constraints.”
“Literacy is the prerequisite for development, both individual and collective. It reduces poverty and inequality, creates wealth and helps to eradicate problems of nutrition and public health,” Azoulay said.
Elensia Witbooi, chief executive officer for Adult Education and Headman Simpson /Awaseb of /Gaio-Daman Traditional Authority together with senior education officers attended the event where delegates were entertained by Damara and Aawambo cultural dancers.