The Deputy Director for Programmes and Quality Assurance in the Oshikoto Education Directorate, Thomas Kalimbo, has emphasised the importance of literacy, especially in rural areas.

Kalimbo gave this reminder during the celebration of Literacy Adult Learners Week at Onambudu Primary School.

There are 1,452 learners enrolled on the National Literacy Programme in the Oshikoto Region.

"Learning styles and live experiences are indeed expectations that motivate them to join the adult literacy programmes, similarly, learners from various cultural backgrounds bring unique perspectives, values, and experiences, and all this can enrich the learning environment."

One of the adult learners from the Enyakwa Literacy Centre at Onambudu Primary School, Ester Namen, spoke about some of the practical benefits and impacts they have gained from the national literacy programme.

"People think literacy is a waste of time, but in reality, literacy is the best. With literacy, it does not matter if you are a child or an adult; those who want to learn can do so at their own pace. Literacy opened many minds, and people know how to speak words such as good morning, good afternoon, and e-wallet. People know how to add, divide, and subtract because of the skills we picked up."

The goal of the Directorate of Adult Education Programmes is to eliminate illiteracy as well as to raise the overall quality of life in communities across the country.

It also focusses on the cultivation of skills and the promotion of sustainable development.