91% of Namibians able to read and write - ministry
Readathon fosters a culture of reading
Namibia's literacy rate has increased by 26 percentage points between independence and last year.
The percentage of Namibians able to read and write has risen from around 65% in 1990 to 82% in 2000 and 89% in 2011, with an estimated 91% of Namibians now classified as literate, according to the education ministry.
The literacy statistics were confirmed by the education ministry, following the launch of the September Readathon Campaign on Thursday at the National Library of Namibia in Windhoek.
Held under the theme 'Read Namibia: Discover the strength of arts and culture through reading', it aims to promote literacy in Namibia.
While current calculations have not been finalised, the education ministry confirmed last week that in 2023, the literacy rate was estimated to be around 91%, a 26 percentage point increase from the 65% recorded in 1990.
Education Minister Anna Nghipondoka, speaking at the launch of the readathon, noted that achieving a 100% literacy rate in Namibia will require reaching every corner of the country.
“If we want to increase the literacy rate even more, we will have to go into the regions and communities to reach the last few people," she said Thursday.
Target areas
Statistics show that the literacy rate among young people is higher than among older adults, largely due to improved access to education.
Deputy minister of education Faustina Caley said last week that key areas for improving literacy rates include communities in the Tsumkwe constituency of the Otjozondjupa Region, as well as communities in the Omaheke and Kunene regions.
The minister explained that literacy is measured by the ability to read and write, even at a very basic level, in at least one language – it does not have to be in English. This threshold is sufficient to ensure Namibians have access to news and job opportunities to improve their lives, she added.
Promoting reading culture
Manfred Gaeb, the director of heritage and culture programmes at the education ministry, said the goal of the readathon, in addition to improving literacy, is “to enforce a reading culture within our society.”
Nghipondoka also encouraged parents to help with the project. “I urge all parents to prioritise taking children to libraries and organise reading dates.”
According to the minister, it is important to continue reaching out to the communities, and even if the readathon only affects those already literate, it will help create a culture where Namibians value reading to improve socio-economic development through art.
The literacy statistics were confirmed by the education ministry, following the launch of the September Readathon Campaign on Thursday at the National Library of Namibia in Windhoek.
Held under the theme 'Read Namibia: Discover the strength of arts and culture through reading', it aims to promote literacy in Namibia.
While current calculations have not been finalised, the education ministry confirmed last week that in 2023, the literacy rate was estimated to be around 91%, a 26 percentage point increase from the 65% recorded in 1990.
Education Minister Anna Nghipondoka, speaking at the launch of the readathon, noted that achieving a 100% literacy rate in Namibia will require reaching every corner of the country.
“If we want to increase the literacy rate even more, we will have to go into the regions and communities to reach the last few people," she said Thursday.
Target areas
Statistics show that the literacy rate among young people is higher than among older adults, largely due to improved access to education.
Deputy minister of education Faustina Caley said last week that key areas for improving literacy rates include communities in the Tsumkwe constituency of the Otjozondjupa Region, as well as communities in the Omaheke and Kunene regions.
The minister explained that literacy is measured by the ability to read and write, even at a very basic level, in at least one language – it does not have to be in English. This threshold is sufficient to ensure Namibians have access to news and job opportunities to improve their lives, she added.
Promoting reading culture
Manfred Gaeb, the director of heritage and culture programmes at the education ministry, said the goal of the readathon, in addition to improving literacy, is “to enforce a reading culture within our society.”
Nghipondoka also encouraged parents to help with the project. “I urge all parents to prioritise taking children to libraries and organise reading dates.”
According to the minister, it is important to continue reaching out to the communities, and even if the readathon only affects those already literate, it will help create a culture where Namibians value reading to improve socio-economic development through art.
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article