OPUWO: Minister of Education Dr Abraham Iyambo says universal education is not only a moral imperative, but a national security priority. Iyambo was speaking during an event celebrating International Literacy Day at Opuwo on Saturday.“This year, the United Nations’ Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) chose the theme ‘Cultivating Peace’ carefully to highlight the role of education opportunities in creating healthy communities and nations”, said the minister.
He added that the annual celebration on 08 September provides an opportunity for barriers to literacy to be focused on, and strategies for improving access to education for people around the world to be addressed.“Education brings sustainability to all development goals, and literacy is the foundation of all learning. It provides individuals with the skills to understand the world and shape it, to participate in democratic processes and have a voice, and also to strengthen their cultural identity,” said Iyambo.
The gathering at Opuwo in the heart of the Kunene Region to celebrate International Literacy Day thus reaffirm’s Namibia’s ‘solid’ commitment to the goal of eradicating illiteracy.Leading up to International Literacy Day, the country last week also celebrated Adult Learners’ Week.
“Today, Namibia joins 160 members of the United Nations and specifically UNESCO in honouring our adult learners’ the world over,” said Iyambo, adding that no Namibian should be excluded from education and literacy.“We should achieve the dreams of a just, inclusive, fair and peaceful Namibia, led by inclusive education,” he noted.
No child should also have their dreams deferred because of a lack of education, teachers and literacy promoters. “Let all Namibians in our lifetime be literate,” the minister stated.The event started with a parade led by the Namibian Police’s brass band, and involved adult literacy promoters and adult learners from all 13 regions who gathered here to celebrate the day.
During the event, traditional dancers and artists such as Bullet Yakaoko, Phura and Stadigmaarseker entertained the crowd of about 2 000 people at the Newman Katuta Stadium.