Otjozondjupa Education Deputy Director, Uerivangera Tjivikua, stated that while the region has achieved success in adult literacy and skills development programs, the initial targeted population has limited access to the program.
Tjivikua made this statement during the 32nd International Literacy Week celebrations at the Otjituuo settlement in Okakarara District.
As of 2021, the literacy rate in the country was 92 percent, with Otjozondjupa recording 83 percent.
The majority of these individuals are youth and school dropouts.
"The literacy rate among youth and children has seen significant improvement, but the same cannot be said for adults in Namibia. Therefore, the purpose of this event is to highlight the value of literacy for individuals, communities, and societies."
Tjivikua reiterated the directorate's commitment to basic education responsibilities and urged citizens to take advantage of these free programs to enhance their skills.
Okakarara Constituency Councillor, Ramana Mutjavikua, expressed the desire for the program to include local language skills to make trainees more linguistically competent.
"Unfortunately, statistics show that 40% of the global population has no access to information in a language they speak or understand. This is also true in Namibia, where many children learn foreign languages in school instead of their first language. While we have made progress in basic literacy skills, there is still room for improvement. We need to motivate people to acquire literacy skills."
Gerson |Uiseb, the Chief Education Officer of Lifelong Learning, stated that plans are underway to provide training in livestock farming and first aid skills in the Okakarara Constituency.
"Through these skills development trainings, we focus on what people need in their communities, rather than what we want them to know. If your area is known for livestock farming, it is essential that we receive proper training. If there is a need, we are prepared to collaborate with various stakeholders to provide necessary skills training in farming or any other relevant area."
The program has seen visible success in family literacy, perfume and detergent manufacturing, and poultry farming.
The annual celebrations had the theme of promoting linguistic education literacy for mutual understanding and peace.