Windhoek: The Directorate of Education in the Kavango West Region on Tuesday launched the 2026 Lifelong Learning Month, urging communities to embrace learning beyond the classroom and across all ages.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Regional Education Director Pontianus Musore emphasized that the month provides an opportunity to announce educational programs and underscore the importance of lifelong learning as an ongoing journey that extends beyond formal education. He stated that learning should not cease after completing school, but should continue through various facets of life, including homes, communities, and workplaces, as well as through cultural practices and the sharing of knowledge across generations.
Musore highlighted that lifelong learning plays a crucial role in helping individuals, families, and communities adapt and partake in national development. It empowers people to gain knowledge, develop skills, and actively participate in society, while preserving their identity and adapting to changing circumstances.
The 2026 Lifelong Learning Month includes several programs, such as Adult Learners Week from September 1-8, themed 'Literacy for People, the Planet, and Prosperity,' which focuses on second-chance education and skills for improved livelihoods. Additionally, school choirs will participate in an interregional choir competition in Zambezi under the theme 'Harmony in Diversity,' promoting teamwork and unity through music.
Further activities planned include culture and heritage events from September 14-20, themed 'Preserving Heritage for Future Generations,' and a regional readathon from September 21-25, aimed at encouraging reading while embracing technology in education.
Senior Culture Officer Paulus Katanga emphasized that education is a lifelong process not confined to the classroom or limited by age. He encouraged older individuals and community members to engage in learning, highlighting the importance of identifying and preserving cultural heritage for future generations.
Musore concluded by noting that the success of Lifelong Learning Month relies on the collaboration of all sectors.