AKU-INSTITUTE OF EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT MARKS THE INTERNATIONAL LITERACY DAY

INSTITUTE OF EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT MARKS THE INTERNATIONAL LITERACY DAY The Aga Khan University’s Institute for Educational Devel...

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INSTITUTE OF EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT MARKS THE INTERNATIONAL LITERACY DAY

The Aga Khan University’s Institute for Educational Development (IED) has today marked the International Literacy Day under the theme “Literacy in a digital world”.

The International Literacy Day is celebrated around the world to highlight literacy and to bring awareness to the importance of closing the literacy gap.  It is celebrated annually worldwide and brings together governments, multi- and bilateral organizations, non-governmental organizations, private sector, communities, teachers, learners and experts in the field of education. The occasion is aimed at marking achievements that reflect on ways to counter there main challenges for the promotion of literacy as an integral part of lifelong learning within and beyond the 2030 Education Agenda. Globally, looks the kind of literacy skills people need to navigate the increasing digitally-mediated societies, and to explore effective literacy policies and programs that can leverage the opportunities that the digital world provides.

This year, IED conducted a panel discussion with its faculty members on literacy in Tanzania, with a focus on the current state of literacy in the country as well as the institution’s efforts and involvement in improving literacy rates in Tanzania to encompass solutions and idea generation. A small debate took place in question of whether: “Literacy in a Digital World” is it driving or is it neglecting?”  Additionally, the IED library hosted a book exchange for IED staff with the aim of promoting new knowledge among members of staff, whilst replacing its old books with new ones.

Professor Joe Lugalla, who is the Director, IED in East Africa said “the literacy rate in Tanzania has improved significantly since the 1980s, however, reading, writing and arithmetic remains a major challenge for children and adults, and this is mostly prominent in both rural and urban areas.  It is therefore important for educators to note how literacy is evolving in order to equip students effectively for their personal and professional development. Literacy is a pillar to any education and having a specific day which focuses on literacy is important because reading, writing and arithmetic are important for any learning outcome.”

At record speed, digital technologies are fundamentally changing the way people live, work, learn and socialize everywhere. They are giving new possibilities to people to improve all areas of their lives including access to information, knowledge management, networking, social services, industrial production and mode of work. However, those who lack access to digital technologies and the knowledge, skills and competencies required to navigate them, can end up marginalized in increasingly digitally driven societies. Literacy is one such essential skill.

Professor Lugalla talked addressed the digital perspective that borders this year’s theme when he said “just as knowledge, skills and competencies evolve in the digital world, so does the importance of being literate. In order to close the literacy skills gap and reduce inequalities, this year’s International Literacy Day will highlight the challenges and opportunities in promoting literacy in the digital world, a world where, despite progress, at least 750 million adults and 264 million out-of-school children still lack basic literacy skills”, said Professor Lugalla.

Since its establishment, IED has actively been involved in the promotion of literacy for social and economic transformation. It is one of the prime centres in East Africa that provides diverse programmes designed for the professional development of educators and educational researchers. In line with its vision to serve the developing world, IED has tailored its projects to address the literacy obstacles which hinder the progress of society in East Africa. After five years of dedicated involvement in the community, IED has established a presence as advocates for literacy in the region.

With its cutting edge and regionally relevant research and leading academic staff, the Institute works to develop and support the professionalization of teachers, educational leaders, managers and others in the field of education in nurturing innovation and improving the quality of education in East Africa.​

Media Contact: Victoria Nyamunga, Director, Regional Communications, East Africa
Aga Khan University General Office Tel: +(254) 20-366-1200 Direct Tel: +(254) 20-366-2515; Work Mobile Tel: +(254) 733-877-724. Email: victoria.nyamunga@aku.edu ; Skype: victoria.nyamunga; Website: www.aku.edu

About the Aga Khan University

Chartered in 1983, the Aga Khan University is a private, autonomous university that promotes human welfare through research, teaching and community service initiatives. Based on the principles of quality, access, impact and relevance, the university has campuses and programmes in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, the United Kingdom, Afghanistan and Pakistan. Its facilities include teaching hospitals, Faculties of Health Sciences with Schools of Nursing and Midwifery and Medical Colleges, Institutes for Educational Development, an Examination Board and an Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations.

A Graduate School of Media and Communications, an East African Institute and an Institute for Human Development are under development while Faculties of Arts and Sciences are to be set up in Pakistan and East Africa. Through its needs-blind admissions policy, the University imbues the most promising leaders and thinkers of tomorrow with an ethic of service and the skills to help communities solve their most pressing challenges.

The Aga Khan University is one of nine agencies in the Aga Khan Development Network, a group of private development agencies with mandates ranging from health and education to architecture, culture, microfinance, rural development, disaster reduction, promotion of private-sector enterprise and the revitalisation of historic cities. www.aku.edu

Professor Joe Lugalla- Director Institute for Educational Development (IED), Mr. Joachim Tamba- Lecturer IED, Dr. Fulgence Saronga- Assistant Professor IED during the celebration of International Literacy Day where IED staff in Dar es Salaam had an opportunity to engage in a book exchange with the aim of promoting new knowledge among members of staff, whilst replacing its old books with new ones.

Aga Khan University- Institute for Educational Development Faculty Dr Mweru Mwingi- Assistant Professor, Dr. Fredrick Mtenzi- Assistant Professor, Mary oluga,-Assistant Professor, Dr. Samuel Andema- Assistant Professor during panel discussions on Digital Literacy and its impact in the East African region to mark this year’s International Literacy Day. They also discussed the current state of literacy in the country as well as the institution’s efforts and involvement in improving literacy rates in Tanzania to encompass solutions and idea generation.