Malawi: Adult literacy supervisor for Santhe Zone, Augustino Tembo claimed that thdy are facing challenges in implementing adult literacy programmes. The lack of learning materials is currently one of the major issues in this regard.
The lack of resources is affecting the smooth operations and effectiveness of adult schools in the area. Tembo has asked authorities to provide the necessary support to the schools which are important in the development of communities.
He said this on Tuesday at Chigodi in Senior Chief Santhe’s area in Kasungu. He was at the time, present at the presentation of certificates to 1 425 students for completing their adult literacy sessions in the district.
“We last received books in 2017. Most centres do not have the necessary learning materials and this makes our work difficult and the lessons ineffective.
“Adult schools are very important in communities because, after completion of the sessions, the students become productive members of the society, taking important positions in community development structures,” Tembo said.
Kasungu District Council Director of Administration, Matias Blugama said Kasungu is one of the districts with high illiteracy levels in the country. He assured that the council is doing its best to reverse the trend.
“We cannot achieve socioeconomic development if we have illiterate societies. This is why we take this day seriously as we reflect on the challenges that affect adult literacy programmes.
“We are trying our best to reduce illiteracy in the district through various programmes, including adult schools because we understand the importance of such initiatives in achieving socioeconomic development,” he said.
Receiving her certificate, one of the graduates Ella Banda said it was pleasing that she can now read, write and make calculations, skills she said are crucial in her life as a businessperson.
In her remarks, Senior Chief Santhe said it was her wish to see many women and men registering for the adult schools in her area.
The activity was part of the World Adult Literacy Day which falls on 8th September every year and this year’s theme is ‘Promoting multilingual education: literacy for mutual understanding and peace’.
Globally, at least 765 million people are illiterate and in Malawi, about 5 million people, mostly rural women cannot read, write and make mathematical calculations.