The Namibia Library and Archives Service (NLAS) pre-launched the National Readathon Month Celebration in Windhoek under the theme: READ NAMIBIA: “Break the Silence, Build Minds – Focus on Mental Wellness.” During the launch, Ms. Alice Umurerwa, Acting Control Social Worker for Social Welfare Services at the Ministry of Health and Social Services, emphasised the importance of mental health awareness and highlighted how reading can improve overall mental well-being.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture, Hon. Sanet Steenkamp, Ms. Sarah Negumbo the Director of NLAS, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to fostering a culture of reading among Namibians and emphasised the inclusion of children with special needs.
“When a child opens a book, they are not merely learning to read, they are reading to learn, to explore, to empathise, and to find their own voice.
For children with special needs, access to stories in various formats, whether through braille, audiobooks, picture books, or sign-supported reading is vital in ensuring that no one is left behind in the journey toward literacy,” she said.
As part of the event, the Goethe Institut donated books to Dagbreek School, further promoting a strong reading culture among children.
The Annual National Readathon event will be held in Omaheke Region in Gobabis, from 22 – 26 September 2025.
