Sumbuk: Adults require equal attention on formal education

National, Normal
Source:

The National, Thursday 6th September, 2012

By ROSELYN ELLISON
LITERACY in the country is being pursued by numerous organisations in the government and private sectors, University of Papua New Guinea pro-vice chancellor, Prof Kenneth Sumbuk says.
But Sumbuk said: “It is evident that the application of print literacy and functional literacy skills of the majority of our people is not possible.
He made the comment at the launching of National Literacy Week at Maprik Secondary School, East Sepik, on Tuesday.
Sumbuk said the majority of the Papua New Gui­neans were struggling because of the situation, especially when competing with societies that had high level of multifunction literacy skills.
“In a situation analysis country report on the level of literacy in PNG compiled by NLAS and UNESCO Apia Office in November 2008, it highlights the percentage li­teracy rate for each province in PNG,” he said.
He said East Sepik had 52.7% literacy rate compared to three other provinces in the Momase region.
Sumbuk said while the government has focused on the formal education of children and students in classes, more and equal attention was required to be given to adults.
“Enhancing literacy through partnership is both a challenge and a reassurance,” he said.
“It challenges us about our future and progress as individuals, families, provinces as a nation.”
He said the theme – Enhancing Literacy through partnership – of the National Literacy Week “challenges us to be literate to ensure that education and training we give and receive must be effective”.
“Literacy is not just a matter of educating our children to use text books in the classroom,” he said.