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Opinion – Namibia Reads App: A digital library in your pocket

Opinion – Namibia Reads App: A digital library in your pocket

In pursuit of its strategic objective to improve core skills in numeracy and literacy in basic education, the ministry of education—now known as the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture—through the Directorate of Namibia Library and Archives Service (NLAS), has introduced the Namibia Reads Application, a transformative digital library initiative.

Launched in collaboration with Smart Kidz Club and the Foundation for Accessible Children’s Education (FACE) in Delaware, United States, the Namibia Reads App has been providing access to digital reading resources since 2020. The application is carefully designed for children aged three to 15, offering narrated and illustrated e-books with animations in an environment free of advertisements, videos, and games. This open-access mobile digital library aims to enhance children’s literacy skills by providing engaging and interactive reading material.

Addressing digital access challenges

One of the key challenges faced in implementing this initiative has been the limited availability of information technology (IT) resources such as smart devices, computers, and internet access in homes, schools, and public libraries. To address this, the Ministry received a generous donation of USD 6 000 (equivalent to N$109 503.52) from the Honorary Consulate of Namibia in the United States, the U.S. Embassy in Washington, D.C., and other accredited entities. 

Additionally, the Namibia Library and Information Council (NLIC) provided support that facilitated the procurement of 40 tablets and 10 smart full HD projectors, which were distributed to 10 school and public libraries across the country.

Despite these efforts, many libraries remain under-resourced in terms of digital devices. Ensuring the availability of necessary infrastructure in libraries is critical for their contribution to national development, particularly in fostering literacy and numeracy skills among learners.

Bridging the digital divide

The Namibia Reads App is making learning more flexible and inclusive by providing digital resources through libraries, accessible to learners from diverse socio-economic backgrounds. This initiative helps bridge the digital divide, particularly in underserved communities where access to digital technology remains a challenge.

With the increasing use of mobile phones in Namibia, the Namibia Reads App is fostering a reading culture by making reading materials more accessible both at libraries and home. The application’s interactive features, audiobooks, and offline reading mode enhance the reading experience, aligning seamlessly with NLAS’s strategic plans to leverage key resources in closing the literacy and numeracy gap.

A game-changer for literacy development

The Namibia Reads App has proven to be a game-changer in promoting literacy and numeracy. To date, over 10 000 users have accessed the application, highlighting its impact in enhancing reading skills across the country. By embracing digital technology, Namibia is taking significant strides toward ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their geographical location or economic status, have access to quality reading resources.

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the Namibia Reads App stands as a testament to the power of innovation and strategic partnerships. Continued investment in digital resources and infrastructure will be crucial in sustaining and expanding this initiative, ultimately contributing to a more literate and empowered society.

*Aletta Dunn is a Chief Librarian- Public