The inaugural Literacy Week held at the Chiefs Nakamal in Port Vila has been described as a success.
The event held from 9-13 September attracted lots of students and teachers.
Participants were able to see the many books in various languages including the vernacular on display.
The public also attended presentations on literacy got the opportunity to meet Chris Tamwoy, an emerging Australian Indigenous talent.
Vanuatu joined the global community to celebrate International Literacy Day observed on 8 September, as proclaimed by UNESCO in 1966.
Aligning with the celebrations of the 2019 International Year of Indigenous Languages, the theme of 2019 was “Literacy and multilingualism”.
Susan Ryle, Deputy Australian High Commissioner, stated that “the theme could not be more appropriate for Vanuatu. Indeed, with over 100 vernacular languages, Bislama, French and English as well, Vanuatu is the most linguistic diverse country in the entire world!”.
In his keynote speech, Jean-Pierre Nirua, Minister of Education and Training (MoET) said, “The Ministry of Education and Training is working hard to improve literacy, as well as numeracy, in Vanuatu so our children can have a bright future full of opportunities. Researches show that there are two important factors to give our children a successful education: one is good teachers and the other one is supporting them in their learning.”
It was also an opportunity for the Minister to launch five new videos based on real stories that were developed by the Ministry.
The short videos will help raise awareness about the importance of early learning.
Parents and communities can watch the videos on social media and TV.
The Government said it will continue to work together to improve literacy through a quality, accessible and well-managed education for all children across the country.
Photo supplied: Children reading books during the literacy week in Port Vila