Ministry
of Basic and Secondary Education’s Adults and Non-Formal Education Unit
recently observed International Literacy Day at the Brikama Region 2
Educational Directorate on the theme: “Reading the past and writing the
future”.
The
celebration was graced by senior officials of the Ministry of Basic and
Secondary Education (MoBSE), the CEO of Brikama Area Council, women groups, and
school children.
There
was also a march-past from Jah Oil petrol station to the venue backed by a
scout band.
Speaking
at the celebration, Fanta Bojang-Samateh said the event is always celebrated
around the globe on 8th September each year after it was adopted in 1956 by the
United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
She
said the day is worth celebrating because the International Community is
reminded of the status of literacy and adult learning globally.
“Today,
Tuesday 29 November 2016, The Gambia is glad to join UNESCO and other
international entities to do the national celebration. The theme for this
year’s celebration is: “Reading the past and writing the future”.
Literacy
skills help the society to acquire knowledge, attitude and values that are
vital for sustainable development.
It
has been said that every literate person is a victory over poverty because
literacy provides tools for men and women to better understand the word and say
it to meet their aspirations,” she said.
She
added that according to statistics there is improvement among youth in terms of
reading and writing skills and a steady reduction in gender gap.
She
said there is huge illiteracy rate across the world and women form the most of
it.
She
said they therefore believed that renewed efforts are needed to meet the new
literacy target of the sustainable development goals by 2030.
She
said the world should ensure that all youths and substantial proportion of
adults both men and women attain literacy and knowledge of numeracy.
In
this regard, she said, all stakeholders should endeavour to implement systems
both locally and internationally that are geared towards increasing adult literacy,
achieving gender parity and improving the quality of education which could be
determined to provide every woman and man requisite skills, capacities and
opportunities to become everything they wish in respect and dignity.
Literacy
is a foundation to building a more sustainable future for all, she said.
Brikama
Area Council CEO Mam Sait Jallow, representing the minister of MoBSE, said the
ultimate aim of the celebration is to raise public awareness and interest in
literacy for greater participation.
This
year’s celebration is unique in the sense that it marked the 50th anniversary
of the International Literacy Day.
He
said 2016 is the 12th year of implementation of the 2013 agenda for sustainable
development, which includes sustainable development goals and that is out to
ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and learning opportunities for
all.
He
added that literacy is fundamental human rights, which entices individuals and
adults and ensures sustainable development of society.
He
said the celebration is aimed at among other things reflecting on the literacy
progress made at global level under the last five decades.
