Invest in literacy
The Kavango East education directorate has appealed for help with its adult literacy programme, saying it is one of the ways societal issues such as poverty and unemployment can be addressed.
The region's deputy director of education, Christine Shilima, believes that literacy can empower people to contribute meaningfully to the growth of the country.
She says many rural people have herds of cattle and access to ample land, but because they lack knowledge they are unable to create wealth and jobs.
Shilima says the ministry is doing what it can to keep the adult literacy programme running by appointing literacy promoters in communities.
But some learners are unable to acquire learning materials, which makes the programme less effective.
A sharp drop in donor funding in recent years has also hampered the programme.
“The literacy programme within the region is a success as the learners are committed and willing to learn. However, we have observed that there are learners, especially from deep in the inland, who are struggling to acquire basic stationery such as a pen and a book,” she says.
She appeals to the business community in the region for help.
“I am not calling on people to assist us with funds but what we are simply asking for is the basics, such as a variety of stationery which will be given to those in need.”
She says the literacy level among those who have enrolled so far stands at over 80%.
Kavango East Region currently has 191 adult literacy centres. Classes are offered at schools, churches, and temporary buildings erected by community members. Some classes are even taught under shade trees.
KENYA KAMBOWE
The region's deputy director of education, Christine Shilima, believes that literacy can empower people to contribute meaningfully to the growth of the country.
She says many rural people have herds of cattle and access to ample land, but because they lack knowledge they are unable to create wealth and jobs.
Shilima says the ministry is doing what it can to keep the adult literacy programme running by appointing literacy promoters in communities.
But some learners are unable to acquire learning materials, which makes the programme less effective.
A sharp drop in donor funding in recent years has also hampered the programme.
“The literacy programme within the region is a success as the learners are committed and willing to learn. However, we have observed that there are learners, especially from deep in the inland, who are struggling to acquire basic stationery such as a pen and a book,” she says.
She appeals to the business community in the region for help.
“I am not calling on people to assist us with funds but what we are simply asking for is the basics, such as a variety of stationery which will be given to those in need.”
She says the literacy level among those who have enrolled so far stands at over 80%.
Kavango East Region currently has 191 adult literacy centres. Classes are offered at schools, churches, and temporary buildings erected by community members. Some classes are even taught under shade trees.
KENYA KAMBOWE
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