BE BETTER INFORMED ... Education minister David Namwandi and the Editor of The Namibian, Tangeni Amupadhi, display some of the bounded newspapers to be distributed to schools as part of the 'Let's Read Project' which promotes a reading culture among the youth.
The initiative, named the 'Let's Read Project', was launched by the Minister of Education, David Namwandi, in Windhoek yesterday.
According to Lizah Bezuidenhout of the 'Let's Read Project', the monthly bound sets will be of great value to the schools as research material for learners and will also enable the schools to build up their own library collection.
“Given the content of The Namibian, learners will be able to enjoy reading national and international news, sports, entertainment and other lifestyle issues of interest to the youth,” she said.
Speaking at the ceremony, Namwandi emphasised the importance of promoting literacy.
“If my students don't know how to read, then they cannot pass their exams. Without education or the ability to read and write, we can kiss Vision 2030 goals goodbye,” said Namwandi.
He said there are people with university degrees who passed with distinctions yet they do not know how to read or write properly.
“Education is important for everybody all over the world and not just Namibia. Thus it cannot be left to government alone to promote literacy. This is a shared responsibility,” said Namwandi as he made it clear that his ministry welcomed the project wholeheartedly.
“We want to produce students who do not only look good on paper but can read and write and are able to effectively communicate in English.”
He said the new curriculum should not only focus on getting students to pass exams but also to promote competency in reading and writing as well as numeracy.
Also present at the launch, Gwen Lister, former Editor of The Namibian said: “Unless Namibia starts reading, we cannot make progress.”
She encouraged corporate entities to support the initiative as it will lead to a better quality workforce, which can enhance their businesses and in turn better contribute to the growth of the economy.
The 'Let's Read Project' involves sponsors who support needy organisations or schools by donating monthly sets of The Namibian newspaper to these institutions, as part of the sponsors' social responsibility programme.
The group manager of external relations at Ohlthaver & List, Roux-Che Locke, said they will continue investing in the community as employment and education are major priorities in building a prosperous nation.
“Government cannot achieve all its development goals on its own. We as the O&L Group of Companies remain committed to supporting the national agenda, “ she said.
In addition, Locke commended The Namibian newspaper for the initiative to empower the youth by promoting literacy and a reading culture, which she said will add great value to future leaders of this country.
So far, three schools have benefited from the 'Let's Read Project'. The project was first introduced at the Coblenz Combined School in the Otjozondjupa region.
Adams Steve Combined School from the Karas Region also received its first bundles in July, while the Otjiu Primary School in the Kunene region received its first bundle this month.