This was said on Saturday during the commemoration of International day of literacy held at Msenjere primary school in Nkhotakota district.

Mulera said according to UNESCO studies, it has been observed that some languages are not promoted because they are being crowded out by other languages which threaten the extinction of these languages.

The UNESCO official observed that countries which use their local languages in education and development activities are more advanced than countries that use foreign languages in education and in development activities.

He said UNESCO, together with other agencies and government departments, is committed to developing materials in local languages for the Adult Literacy Program so that learners should be able to learn in their local languages.

“Let us give a chance to these languages because they represent people. We should be inclusive, get every language in the country on-board, and provide materials so that they can be accessed and used. Languages must be used for the development of the society, individuals and community at large.

Minister of Gender, Children, Disability and Social welfare honourable Mary Navisha said the government is committed to improving literacy levels despite other challenges.

Navisha said in order to improve the adult literacy levels, government has adjusted adult education volunteer teachers’ payment from K1, 000 to K15, 000 as one way to motivate them.

During the ceremony, 50 people received certificates for completing their adult literacy studies and Malawi National Library donated books to Msenjere primary school, Msenjere CDSS, and Msenjere health center.

The International Literacy Day (ILD) is celebrated on 8th September around the world to highlight the importance of literacy to individuals, communities and societies.

This year, the day was commemorated under the theme “Literacy and Multilingualism”.