Regional Adult Learners Week and International Literacy Day were commemorated this week at Omatako in the Tsumkwe Constituency.

The event was held under the theme "Promoting Literacy in a Digital Era.

The theme highlighted both challenges and opportunities with integrating technology into education, especially in remote and underserved areas like Omatako and Tsumkwe.

In the heart of the Tsumkwe Constituency, the Village of Omatako came alive as learners, educators and community members gathered to celebrate International Literacy Day.

The Regional Director of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports  Arts and Culture, Gerhard Ndafenongo, motivated the community, stating that literacy is more than just the ability to read and write.

It is, he said, the foundation for lifelong learning, social inclusion and economic empowerment.

"In our community literacy and skills development are not just tools, they are lifelines. They open doors to opportunities, preserve our rich cultural heritage and empower individuals to participate fully in society. Through literacy we can break the circle of marginalisation and build a future where every child and adult has a chance to thrive."

He said the adult literacy subdivision continues to play a vital role in learners' journey from basic reading and writing to practical skills development.

Frederika Nenghama is the control administrative officer of the Tsumkwe Constituency Office.

"Today, it has metamorphosed to encompass the ability to access information online, communicate digitally, protect oneself from misinformation, and engage in virtual platforms that are now shopping economies, education, health and democracy. Many of our adults and out-of-school youth whom we serve are not yet part of this digital journey. They remain on the margins, under-skilled and underserved. But the truth is, we cannot build a connected nation when large parts of our population are digitally excluded. We cannot talk of lifelong learning when adults do not even have the tools to participate in the digital society."

She added that the digital literacy level among adults is worryingly low, especially in rural and marginalised communities.

The celebration featured cultural dance and mind skills development games in areas including perfume and soap making.

Adult learners from Rooidag Hek, who run a poultry project, spoke about how happy they were to be able to speak and read English.

"Where I am today, I mean, apart from writing or reading, literacy has more to offer, which is skilled development management. From Feb 2022, we started our chicken project without any experience on how to farm with chickens. On 27 July 2023, we invited the agriculture technician from Makata, Mr Charlie Hinja, to offer us training based on chicken farming because we really needed skills to run the project."

The adult learner thanks the local agriculture technician and the education officers for their assistance.