Literacy in local languages
The official launch of Storybooks Namibia, a free and open educational resource designed to encourage reading among young learners in Okahandja on Wednesday, marked a significant step towards improving literacy and language acquisition in Namibia.The initiative, developed in partnership with the National Institute for Educational Development (NIED) and the Namibia Association of Norway (NAMAS), provides 40 children’s stories sourced from the African Storybook project. The materials are available in both text and audio formats and have been translated into Namibia’s most widely spoken languages.
According to Anne Siri, the newly appointed Managing Director of NAMAS, the project’s core mission is to make education more accessible and inclusive. ”We have advocated for indigenous rights, gender equality and social justice, steadfast in our belief that every child no matter their background deserves equal access to education and the opportunity to thrive” she stated.
The Storybooks Namibia collection is available online at storybooksnamibia.net, where parents, teachers and learners can access and download the materials for free. The stories are tailored to different reading levels, making them suitable for junior primary school learners.
Significant initiative
Jafet Uugwanga, Chief Education Officer: Research Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture also highlighted the significance of the initiative. “This moment marks a significant step towards celebrating and preserving our linguistic heritage while empowering our children to learn and grow in their own languages. Language is not just a means of communication however, it is a vessel of culture, identity and community. By introducing readers in African languages, we are not only enhancing the educational resources available to our learners but also instilling a sense of pride in their linguistic roots. The series of books we launch today represents countless stories, traditions and knowledge passed down through generations,” he said.
NAMAS, which has played a crucial role in Namibia’s education sector since the 1980s, continues to work closely with NIED to develop innovative educational projects. This new initiative aligns with their long-standing commitment to improving literacy and access to education, particularly in underserved communities.
In addition to the digital resources, the initiative will also see the printing of 46 children's stories, with accompanying audio recordings translated into all the languages included in Namibia’s curriculum. These resources are expected to become an invaluable tool for educators helping to strengthen language development in classrooms.
Siri emphasised, “I am excited for the journey ahead and look forward to building upon the remarkable legacy of Namas as we continue to positively impact the lives of the Namibian people.”