Literacy rates for adults in Angola are well below the global average and women continue to lag furtherst behind. ADPP has been playing an important role, especially in rural settings, to redress the situation and empower thousands of people with skills that open up opportunities and choices in life.

Celebrating International Literacy Day 2021 is particularly gratifying after 18 months of disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Not surprisingly, UNESCO chose “Literacy for a human-centred recovery: Narrowing the digital divide” as the theme this year. ADPP’s approach is very much human-centred. 

In Malanje, ADPP Malanje joined the Provincial Education Department in an event which included the Malanje Municipal Administrator, Malanje Agricultural Director, the Local Education Director, the Head of the Education Department, traditional and religious authorities, and representatives of IPA, FAS and ADRA. ADPP Literacy learners who successfully completed Module 1, 2 or 3 received their diplomas and a special diploma of merit was awarded to ADPP.

In Quibala, Cuanza Sul Province, and in Gambos, Huíla Province, International Literacy Day was chosen as the appropriate moment to launch the Suport for Angolan Women Farmers project that is benefiting thousands of female farmers, and includes a literacy component. In Cuanza Norte, the day was celebrated in the shade of one of the community jangos built as part of the AFAP/ADPP project.

Of course, all ADPP teacher training schools and polytechnics across the country also celebrated International Literacy Day.