Malawi launches Mass Adult Literacy Programme
Malawi Government on Thursday launched Mass Adult Literacy Programme to enhance access to education among adults who did not have an opportunity to attend primary school education.
Speaking during the launch which was part of the commemoration of the International Literacy Day at Kachere Primary School ground in Nkhata Bay, Vice-President Khumbo Kachali said illiteracy impedes development.
He said literacy empowers citizens to make informed choices that have direct impact on their families, communities and the nation.
“Literacy programme strengthens mutual understanding by enabling the people to share and express, preserve and develop their cultural identity and diversity,†Kachali said.
He asked development partners and the private sector to support government’s efforts in eradicating illiteracy.
“For the agenda of the universal access to education by our children to be realised, we need the majority of our parents to be literate so that they can appreciate the importance of education for their children,†he said.
Reading a statement from Unesco’s director general Irina Bokova, Unesco Malawi acting deputy executive secretary Emmanuel Kondowe said literacy is a fundamental human right and the foundation of all education and lifelong learning.
“Literacy transforms the lives of people, allowing them to make informed choices and empowering individuals to become agents of change.
“Literacy programmes can become a key component of future development strategies, opening new opportunism and skills for all. All of this is vital to achieving education for all and the Millennium Development Goals,†Kondowe said—Mana
