International Literacy Day (ILD) was celebrated today in Hargeisa. ILD was created on November 17, 1965 to highlight the importance of literacy to individuals, communities, societies and the world at large. Ever since the first celebration of Literacy Day in 1966, UNESCO reminds the world on September 8 of the status of literacy and adult learning through a global message.
Today’s event in was remarkable. It started with marching from the Ministry of Education to the Venue (Guled Hotel). The marching was participated by the Ministry officials including The state Minister of MoE, vice Minister of MoE, Director General of MoE, Directors of MoE departments, Commission of Higher Education, Youth Groups, Women groups, Scholars, REOs, Head teachers, Students and Adult learners from NFE centers. The aim of the marching was to show the public the importance of Literacy.
Six Ministers participated the event and made speeches about the ILD and its importance. The Ministers include the Minister of Planning , Minister of Health, Minister of Religion, Minister of Parliamentary Relations, vice Minister of Environment, the Minister of Education and the deputy Ambassador of Egypt.
The theme of this year’s ILD was Literacy and Sustainable societies. Literacy is a fundamental human right and the foundation for lifelong learning. It is fully essential to social and human development in its ability to transform lives. For individuals, families, and societies alike, it is an instrument of empowerment to improve one’s health, one’s income, and one’s relationship with the world.
There was a panel discussion about the Literacy and its relation with Sustainable Development Goals, the challenges faced and how we can improve the family Literacy. The panel was participated by four intellectuals including the Director of Curriculum and Planning (Abdillahi Yasin), Head of Hargeisa Cultural Center (Dr Jama Musse), Chairman of New Generation University (Mustafe Alkhalili) and Education Manager of Candlelight (Abdi Ismail). The Panel discussion was moderated by Ahmed Abokor from UNESCO. The discussion wet well and the participants asked question to the panelists.
According to the education census of 2013/2014 Somaliland’s primary GER is 43.6% while secondary GER is 20.5%, while Adult literacy rate in Somaliland is 26%.
Today’s Event was organized by Ministry of Education and Higher Studies (MoEHS) in partnership with UNESCO, UNICEF and CARITAS.
