The second edition of Namibia's National Literary Festival, which seeks to cultivate a reading culture, especially among the youth, kicked off in Windhoek today.

It also provides a platform for writers and creators to showcase their work. 

The National Literary Festival aims to celebrate literature and foster a culture of reading.

It celebrates the richness of Namibian stories and ensures that literature remains alive and accessible to everyone.

"Over the next two days, we will gather here to celebrate literature in all of its forms and also to affirm its role in shaping our society, nurturing critical thought, and opening our minds to new possibilities," said National Arts Council of Namibia Literature Committee Chairperson, M'Kariko Amagulu.

Author and UNAM Pro Vice Chancellor of Administration, Finance and Resources Mobilisation, Dr. Ellen Namhila, called on authors, storytellers and the public to go out into their communities where there are no schools, libraries, archives and museums to make an impact on documenting their stories.

"Our communities need us. Let us tell them that we are here for them and their heritage; write stories which exist only in their heads, as they are in danger of disappearing with the death of every elder."

The festival will be filled with Namibian literature, panel discussions, workshops, book exhibitions, and signings with local and international authors, as well as storytelling, spoken word, and children's theatre. 

The two-day public event is being held under the theme "Open a Book".