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The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) in partnership with the Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) will celebrate the International Literacy Day on Saturday, 6 September 2014 to be hosted at Kloof Mine Stadium, in Carletonville. The event will celebrate the achievements and importance of Adult Education and Training in the mining sector.

The objective of the event is to encourage new entrants, learners who are currently on ABET programmes and those who have successfully completed their ABET training to continue with their education. The theme for this year’s event is “Quality Education Our Weapon to Fight Poverty”.

The Honourable Minister of the Department of Higher Education and Training, Dr Blade Nzimande and NUM Acting President Piet Matosa are some of the dignitaries that are expected to address the delegates at this event.

International Literacy Day is celebrated globally in September to highlight the need for continuous sustenance of literacy education especially amongst adult learners. The NUM and MQA are placing greater efforts to promote adult learning and this is a flagship event through which efforts are made to encourage companies to register more learners on Adult Basic Education and Training (ABET) programmes and encourage learners to attend classes. Achievements in ABET programmes is key towards unlocking more possibilities for the workers to improve their education. 

The NUM and MQA have previously formed partnerships with several mining and minerals sector stakeholders to promote the significance of ABET as a means of advancing to improved standards of lifestyles, such as access to knowledge and better working opportunities. Literacy programmes contribute to productivity, health and safety and empowers employees in the mining and minerals sector.

The MQA and the NUM celebrate International Literacy Day annually in different provinces and have previously formed partnerships with mining companies in the community to further encourage participation. ABET learners from different provinces will gather on the day to celebrate their achievements.

The MQA is a skills development administration organisation for the mining and minerals sector established as a result of the Mine Health and Safety Act of 1996 and a Sector Education and Training.

The Media is invited to attend and report.

Issued by NUM