By Misheck Wangwe in Kitwe
Thu 25 July 2013, 14:00 CAT
ZAMBIA needs a knowledgeable society to develop, says education deputy permanent secretary Christine Mayondi.
Speaking when she opened an Annual Conference for Zambia Library Association at Kitwe's Moba Hotel on Tuesday, Mayondi said there was need to create a knowledge society by restoring the reading culture among young people.
She said the government was deeply concerned that the culture of reading among its citizens, especially the young had diminished.
Mayondi said the PF government was however proud of the efforts the Zambia Library Association was making to improve the country's reading culture.
She encouraged people to invest their time in reading because it was a critical component for the attainment of national development.
"The government has noted that the country has continued grappling with challenges of inadequate library facilities and other reading materials but efforts are being made by the government and stakeholders to change the situation. We need to work hard to create a responsible society of young people, a society that attaches seriousness to education, seriousness to reading because Zambia needs a knowledgeable society to develop," Mayondi said.
Association president Francina Makondo called for the quick enactment of the Zambia Library Bill which has been in draft form for a long time.
Makondo said appropriate legislation would enhance the reading culture and improve the flow of information among citizens.
She also called for concerted efforts among all stakeholders towards equipping library facilities in Zambia.
Meanwhile, Lusaka-based library consultant and University of Zambia chief librarian Dr Vitallicy Chifwepa said the current poor state of library facilities in the country had potential to negatively affect economic development.
Dr Chifwepa also implored various institutions and companies to take seriously the issue of supporting library services.
The four-day elective conference which opened on Tuesday was held under the theme "Towards promotion of the reading culture in the electronic era".
Labels: CHRISTINE MAYONDI, LITERACY
posted by MrK @ 4:21 PM
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