KEETMANSHOOP – Promoting multilingual education is not merely an educational endeavour, but a pathway towards building a more peaceful society, where every voice matters, //Kharas governor Aletha Frederick said.

Speaking at the commemoration of World Adult Literacy Day here on Tuesday, she said the education directorate should ensure that adult literacy programmes are accessible to all members of the community in the region, regardless of their age or background, to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to contribute positively to society. “To achieve these goals, collaboration is essential. We must work closely with local governments, non-governmental organisations, educational institutions and community leaders to create comprehensive literacy programmes tailored to our unique needs,” she urged. The governor said in today’s world, where conflicts often arise from misunderstandings between cultures, literacy plays a crucial role in building peace, noting that educating individuals about different cultures also fosters empathy and respect.

“In regions like //Kharas, where multiple ethnic groups co-exist, promoting multilingualism can significantly contribute to social harmony and unity. When individuals learn in their mother tongue while also acquiring proficiency in other languages, they develop a deeper understanding of their own culture, while appreciating others,” she said.

She added that //Kharas has the opportunity to implement multilingual education programmes that reflect its linguistic diversity, and set an example for unity through the various programmes offered by the Division of Lifelong Learning in the Directorate of Education.
“Programmes that promote literacy through storytelling or community dialogues can help dismantle stereotypes and build bridges among diverse groups within our region. Imagine a classroom or environment where people speak different languages but work together on projects, share stories from their cultures, and learn to appreciate their differences,” she added.

Chief education officer for adult and continuing education in the Directorate of Education Seraphine Hangue said throughout the years, adult literacy has gone beyond basic English and mathematics, as it now involves skills development.
“We now offer skills development, such as how to run a business, so that these individuals can put bread on the table. We have two skills development centres in the region – one at Warmbad and another at Aroab,” she said.
-Nampa