Two thousand two hundred adults from Gakenke District were, on Wednesday, awarded certificates after completing a one-year basic reading and writing training.The adult literacy programme seeks to minimise illiteracy as the country moves toward a population that can read and write.Mayor Deograthias Nzamwita said the district’s goal is to eradicate illiteracy by the end of next year.“We had more than 18,000 adults who couldn’t read and write in recent days, but we’ve already trained some 13,000. What is clear is that at any age, anyone can learn how to read and write,” Nzamwita said.He called upon the illiterate in the district to register for adult education, saying literacy significantly contributes to welfare.Philomene Mukahirwa, an elderly resident of Cyabingo Sector, said age cannot deter the ability to learn.“When you want to achieve something, age is only a number, what is necessary is commitment and initiative. I am optimistic that everyone can make it despite the age,” Mukahirwa said.Daniel Girukubonye, 72, said learning is not only for children, but for all.“It is a bad attitude to cite age as reason for not learning,” he said.The training was sponsored by World Vision and the Bible Society of Rwanda.Illiteracy rateBishop Vincent Harelimana of Ruhengeri Catholic Diocese, who represented the development partners, urged people to support each other to develop the nation.He said through collaboration, illiteracy should soon be history in the country.“Through unity and good collaboration you should reach all your dreams, but commitment is key. You should actively participate in the development of the country,” Bishop Harelimana said. Illiteracy rate in the country is on the decrease compared to the previous years, according to figures from the Ministry of Education, released in May last year.The 2012 report said literacy levels in the country stood at 70 per cent, up from 65.3 per cent in 2006. Literacy among people between 15 to 24 age groups stood at 83.7 per cent, the 2012 report said.
