By Fostina Mkandawire

Salima, September 15, Mana: Minister of Gender, Community Development, and Social Welfare Jean Sendeza on Saturday called for support in reducing the number of adults who cannot read, write and count in the country.

Sendeza made the call in Salima district during commemoration of 2024 International Literacy Day.

Sendeza expressed concern over the lack of support that the sector has been facing such as lack of learning materials, teachers, learning spaces, and overall financial support.

"We need to upscale adult literacy in the country so that it should be accessible to everyone, unfortunately, the challenge remains that fewer organizations are supporting the sector and the standards are not satisfactory," she said.

She said in the country about 5 million people cannot read, write, and count, adding a larger number of such people who cannot read and write are women from rural areas.

"Development is fostered when the majority of people can at least understand some basics of reading and writing, therefore our goal is to ensure that we reach the estimated target by employing different strategies that can motivate more teachers and more adult learners," she said.

Currently, the Ministry of Gender through the Department of Community Development has 8000 Chichewa classes and 1,633 English classes across the country meant for adults.

This year's International Literacy Day theme is Promoting Multilingual Education: Literacy for mutual understanding and peace.

On the theme, the Minister underscored the importance of ensuring that lessons for adult classes are delivered using vernacular languages that everyone understands.

Country Representative for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) David Mulera said to help promote literacy, UNESCO is implementing a Community-Based Literacy and Livelihood Skills Development Programme.

"Literacy is more than just a skill, it is a fundamental human right that opens the door to the enjoyment of other rights and freedoms. It empowers people and equips them with skills, attitudes, and behaviors to foster a culture of respect, justice, and tolerance," he said.

He said literacy programmes should reach the most vulnerable groups, particularly adolescent girls and women, providing basic literacy and livelihood skills that enable individuals to pursue further education or contribute economically to their communities.

Since 1967, people around the world have come together every September 8 to celebrate International Literacy Day.