The Zambezi Education Directorate has officially launched September as the month for lifelong learning.

Residents marched in celebration of the launch at Katima Mulilo.

The launch incorporates adult learner's week, which runs from the first to the 8th of September, as well as international literacy day on the 8th.

The aim is to raise awareness about the value of adult learning, celebrate achievements, and inspire more people to discover the positivity of lifelong learning.

"We are going to raise awareness of how lifelong learning is trying to answer so many challenges that are caused by our modern society. In this modern society, for you to survive, you need to know how to read, and you need to know how to juggle so many difficulties, so this is part of what lifelong learning is all about," said Education Director Josty Kawana.

Zambezi Governor, Alufea Sampofu, implored school dropouts and those who had never set foot in a classroom to take advantage of the literacy programme.

"Literacy is central to equipping individuals with the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies for transforming education and shaping more sustainable and peaceful societies. Despite the fact that the majority of Namibians, including residents of the Zambezi region, are able to read and write, there is still a significant number of youth and adults around the country that do not possess basic literacy skills, especially girls and women."

The month will promote the culture of reading and showcase arts and culture during the national heritage week from the 18th to the 24th of September.

In the Zambezi Region, literacy day will be celebrated on September 8 at Makanga Combined School in the Linyanti Constituency.