||Kharas Governor, Aletha Fredrick, has urged learners, educators, and parents to actively create reading opportunities for children.
She made the call at a celebration ceremony for Readathon Week, held at Keetmanshoop.
Learners from Keetmanshoop-based schools gathered at the Keetmanshoop Senior Secondary School to celebrate Readathon Week, taking part in games, reciting poems, and reading publicly.
This year's Readathon Week is celebrated under the theme 'Reading is Key to Education'.
The Readathon is an annual event encouraging learners to strengthen the culture of reading.
"Let's commit ourselves and renew at the Readathon celebration to read widely, write patiently, teach effectively, and support each other tirelessly. Together we can cultivate a generation of readers who will not only thrive academically but also contribute meaningfully to society as informed citizens equipped with strength derived from arts and culture through reading. Thank you for your dedication to this noble cause. Director of Education, let us continue to work hand in hand towards realising the goals outlined in Vision 2030 as we empower our youth through literacy."
Frederick also encouraged educators to create innovative teaching methods in classrooms that inspire and foster a love for reading.
"When children find joy in learning, they are more likely to pursue mastering reading as a prerequisite for academic success. So, I am also happy that we have those responsible for our public libraries as well as school libraries because that is one of the important spaces that one needs to have to promote reading not only just for school children but for all Namibians old and young."