National Literacy-Week launched in Northern province

The National Literacy Week was officially launched today, 31st September, in Northern Province to pave the way for government, schools, churches, communities, literacy practitioners and development partners to celebrate progress and discuss how literacy services can be improved in Papua New Guinea. 

This year’s theme is “Reading today, leading tomorrow, unlocking potential through literacy.”

Literacy is traditionally defined as the ability to read and write, but modern definitions now include speaking, listening, and communicating effectively.

National Literacy Week is observed annually from 31st August to 4th September throughout the country.

Officiating at the launch at Northern First Assistance Secretary School, First Assistant Secretary for School Intervention and Innovation Division, Gandhi Lavaki said PNG is facing a serious literacy challenge with 63% of the population able to read and write, while 37% remain illiterate. 

The statistics were extracted from the World Bank and other partners’ databases.

Mr. Lavaki said the literacy gap is huge and must be addressed, adding that a nation cannot build its economy on a foundation where its people cannot read and write.

“As government, schools, churches, communities, literacy practitioners and development partners celebrate literacy across PNG, we must advocate the importance of literacy in our homes, communities and schools,” he said.

Lavaki said the Education Department’s mandate is not only to celebrate Literacy Week but to embed literacy in every dimension of national development.

He added that literacy is the foundation for workforce readiness, civic participation, and inclusive growth.

The National Literacy Week program will end on Friday, 4th September 2026.