08 Sep 2024

Literacy is not only about reading, but a powerful tool to eradicate poverty and a means for social and human progress as the world evolves

Former Ministry of Finance official, Dr Taufila Nyamadzabo said this during International Literacy Day commemoration in Letlhakane on Thursday.

He noted that the day was first celebrated in 1967, and that it was still  important to date.

The speaker described literacy as a fundamental human right and that the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) established the day in 1966. The rationale, he said, was to remind people of the importance of literacy and a fundamental human right.

Dr Nyamadzabo said people were reminded of the importance of literacy and not just it, but a multilingual approach in education as a strategy to build empowered, sustainable, mutual-co existence and peaceful societies.

He said UNESCO has revealed that over 773 million adults, mostly  women were illiterate and lacked basic reading and writing skills. He said Statistics Botswana has established that 88.47 per cent of the country’s adult population was able to read and write.

He, however, said the remaining 11.53 per cent was a worrying factor and showed the need for literacy campaigns so that the figure could be reduced.

Dr Nyamadzabo said this year’s theme: Promoting multilingual education, literacy for mutual understanding and peace called for mindset change and to adopt and embrace other languages.

He said Botswana was moving in the right direction as shown by the commitment to implement the recommendations of the Revised National Policy on Education (RNPE) 1994.

Dr Nyamadzabo noted that an inclusive education policy was developed in 2011, and that goal three called for out-of-school education programmes to be further developed and strengthened to ensure inclusion.

Dr Nyamadzabo also said teaching and learning should be premised on the use of different local languages.

He argued that it would promote effective learning, recognition and acceptance of different cultures which would promote understanding, peace and stability.

He said education was free for the young and old, adding that Out of School Education and Training (OSET) catered for both the young and old.  

Dr Nyamadzabo acknowledged efforts made to integrate Information Communication Technology in schools for improved education and learning.

The acting director of education, Mr Modise Selato said the day’s objective was to remind the public of the importance of literacy as a matter of dignity and privacy.

Mr Selato said the day was also intended to showcase learners skills, achievements and testimonials. ENDS