On October 4th, 2024, the Kibaha District Council (DC) in Tanzania hosted a vibrant celebration of International Literacy Week (ILW) at Mlandizi Primary School. The event brought together the local community for a day full of joy, learning, and fun, shining a spotlight on the transformative power of adult education in the region.
The celebration included a variety of activities, such as football and netball matches, a tug-of-war contest, and the unique tradition of chasing the chicken. Beyond the games, the event featured educational elements like science presentations from students of Open Schools, and traditional dances that highlighted the importance of Adult Education and lifelong learning.
One of the event's key moments was the graduation ceremony, where 123 learners received certificates after completing training programs in literacy, numeracy, soap making, batik making, tailoring, and other entrepreneurship skills. These graduates are part of the 423 learners—323 women and 100 men—who study at 37 Adult Education Centers across Kibaha DC. The District Adult Education Officer, Meckitilda Kahindi, proudly shared these achievements and emphasized the district’s dedication to expanding learning opportunities and skill-building initiatives.
“Education is a tool that can change lives, and by extending Adult Education Centers to the village level, we can offer a second chance to those who missed formal schooling. With these centres, especially in rural areas, we can motivate more people to join and gain the skills that can uplift their lives and communities." Josephine Gunda, Special Seats Councillor
The celebration was also honored by Josephine Gunda, a Special Seats Councilor in Kibaha DC, who proposed establishing additional Adult Education Centers at the village level. Gunda emphasized that these centres would help reach more people in rural areas who missed formal education, offering them a second chance to gain valuable skills. She expressed gratitude to the government for its commitment to adult education, noting that these centres are changing lives by providing literacy and practical skills like entrepreneurship.
She also thanked DVV International and highlighted the importance of DVV International’s role in supporting adult education programs in Kibaha DC, particularly through the Community Learning Centre (CLC). The centre offers comprehensive training in functional literacy, skills development like fish farming and entrepreneurship, and vocational training.
The event also included an important message from Subiraga Mwasongwe, who urged parents not to exclude children with disabilities from education, emphasizing their right to learn and contribute to society.
This celebration was a powerful reminder of how education, particularly adult and non-formal education, can transform lives, uplift communities, and provide lifelong learning opportunities. With support from the local government and international partners like DVV International, Kibaha DC is making strides in ensuring that education is accessible to all.
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