Literacy vital for change

The National National

Literacy is a vehicle that can be used to bring much-needed development to families and communities in rural areas.
This was the general agreement at the closing ceremony of the National Literacy Week at the remote Zindaga Primary School in Bulolo district on Sept 30.
Seven adult literacy schools in the vicinity of the Wafi-Golpu project highlighted the importance of literacy through activities witnessed by more than 300 villagers and staff from Wafi-Golpu Joint Venture.
Under the theme kisim save – rit na rait students from these adult literacy schools performed dramas, held academic competitions and stall inspection where they displayed their lessons and presentation of awards.
The adult literacy schools at Timini, Dengea, Hekeng, Pokwana, Pekumbe, Madzim and Wonkings villages are supported by the Wafi-Golpu Joint Venture (WGJV) and their respective communities.
WGJV gender and training coordinator Grace Bini said learning how to read and write as an adult was not something to be ashamed of.
“I encourage all of you in the village to attend these schools so that in the future you’d know how to write your name, read the Bible and do many tasks that require reading and writing because it is never to late to learn,” she said.
Bini said the communities had done a great job in running the schools and WGJV would continue assistance where possible.
WGJV community affairs manager David Masani encouraged students and villagers to take adult literacy as a journey.
He said when basic services such as schools, health, banking and others were brought to the community “you will be able to read, understand and write and you will be able to make difference in your own lives.
“In our industry, every project has a start and an end but the most important resource in the community that has no end are its people,” Masani  said.
“Therefore, literacy has no end. I encourage all you mothers and fathers who do not know how to read and write to attend the adult literacy school and prepare yourselves for this journey.”