A recent analysis by the National Literacy Awareness Secretariat has revealed that adult literacy rates are at 50%. However, Anglicare PNG is fighting to increase the rate. In a small conference yesterday afternoon, Anglicare signed 4 MoUs with its civil society partners to carry out adult literacy programs in NCD and Central Province. Adult literacy has a long history in Papua New Guinea, starting over 100 years ago when missionaries first came to our shores. While PNG has reached 39 years of independence with a large population, rural areas are often without proper education and illiteracy is a major challenge in Papua New Guinea’s development. In a small but significant conference yesterday afternoon, 4 MoUs were signed by civil society organisations (non-governmental organisations or NGO’s) to carry out adult literacy programs throughout Port Moresby and Central Province. Branch Manager of Anglicare Port Moresby, Bernard Paru, when giving his remarks, said adult literacy plays a vital role in development. Paru says Anglicare is looking forward to working with organisations providing literacy education. Meanwhile, Anglicare Manager Aquino Saklo said Anglicare has a set of objectives in place to fight illiteracy. He added that the only challenge faced now is funding to establish literacy centres in other parts of PNG. The civil society organisations, mostly Church-run organisations, also received funds from Anglicare to start their literacy programs. Meanwhile, the National Literacy Awareness Secretariat, or NLAS, will pump more funds into supporting this worthy cause. Adult literacy now plays a vital role for development; it will eliminate poverty and empower individuals to be successful.
NGO’s Unite To Tackle PNG’s Adult Literacy Problem
