Katima mulilo: The Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture (MEIYSAC) will host this year's Readathon in Katima Mulilo during September as part of efforts to promote a culture of reading among learners and communities countrywide. September is observed as Reading Month, with the final week designated as Readathon Week and the last Friday of the month observed as Readathon Day.
According to Namibia Press Agency, MEIYSAC Chief Librarian for Education Library Service Bianca Basson stated during an information-sharing session that the annual campaign was introduced in response to low levels of reading in schools and communities. "Readathon is a reading promotion campaign annually hosted by the ministry in order to promote reading," Basson said. The ministry, in partnership with the Namibian Children's Book Forum, developed the initiative to promote a culture of reading and appreciation for books among learners and communities.
Basson mentioned that this year's Readathon will be hosted in Katima Mulilo in the Zambezi Region, with various activities planned for schools and communities. The 2026 campaign is being held under the theme, 'Read Namibia, Embrace Technology within the Education Sector'. This theme reflects changes in education brought about by technology and artificial intelligence (AI), while emphasising that technology should complement rather than replace reading. Information practitioners are also encouraging learners to critically assess information obtained online, acknowledge sources and respect copyright.
MEIYSAC Deputy Director for the Namibia Library and Archives Service, Namutenya Hamwaalwa, highlighted that reading should not be limited to academic purposes, but should also contribute to understanding, leisure, and personal development. "We want them to read and relax and not memorise," Hamwaalwa said. The Namibia Library and Archives Service has 65 public libraries countrywide, which will host activities including reading competitions, storytelling, quizzes, and read-aloud sessions during the campaign.
Hamwaalwa added that library services will also take books to communities located far from public libraries, while stakeholders are donating books to learners. Parents are encouraged to make reading part of family life by setting aside time for children to read. Melba Mabuku-Sitwala, a librarian at the International University of Namibia and representative of the National Information Workers Association of Namibia, said the association is supporting the campaign through awareness, advocacy, and participation in various activities. The association will also host a 'RAN-athon' on 10 October to promote wellness and engagement among information professionals and other stakeholders.