Kasempa District Administrative Officer, Francis Makanga has called for increased investment and sustained commitment in adult literacy programmes.
Mr Makanga says the move will ensure more adults acquire the skills necessary to participate effectively in community and national development.
He stated that adult literacy is critical to individual empowerment, community and national development, but requires adequate resources and sustained commitment from government and stakeholders.
Mr Makanga said government should provide funding and create an enabling environment for literacy programmes to reach those who needed them most.
He said adult literacy was not the responsibility of one institution, but required collaboration among government departments, local authorities, traditional and civic leaders.
Mr Makanga said literacy interventions should be integrated into broader programmes such as education, health, agriculture and skills development, to ensure they meet adults’ practical needs and improve livelihoods.
He said government’s decentralisation policy had given communities a greater role in setting their own development priorities, and urged Ward Development Committees to identify local literacy needs.
Mr Makanga said communities should also help identify the need for literacy centres and mobilise resources for infrastructure.
“The community should decide what we can do to ensure that we improve and establish this programme in Kasempa District,” he added.
Mr Makanga called on ministries, traditional and civic leaders to work with the Ministry of Education to mobilise resources and expand literacy programmes.
He said improving literacy would strengthen people’s access to information and their role in decision-making at community level.
“We need to use these platforms to agree on practical ways of mobilising resources and working together to advance adult literacy in our communities. This is our role as stakeholders,” Mr Makanga said.
