The commemoration of International Literacy Day for the Coast Region was held on 19 September 2026 at Ruvu JKT Primary School grounds in Kibaha District Council. The event brought together adult learners, government officials, education practitioners, development partners and community members to celebrate achievements in literacy, skills development and lifelong learning.

Speaking during the celebrations, Mr Jimmy Daudi Nkwamu, the Coast Regional Education Officer and Acting Regional Administrative Secretary, encouraged adult learners to apply the education, knowledge and practical skills they had acquired to create employment opportunities, improve their economic well-being and contribute to the development of their communities.

Mr Nkwamu congratulated 198 learners—101 women and 97 men—on successfully completing their studies. He also commended their facilitators for ensuring that the learners graduated with literacy, numeracy and entrepreneurship skills that could be applied in their daily lives.

A major highlight of the celebrations was the handover of four sewing machines by Kibaha District Council to learners at the Ruvu JKT Community Learning Centre. This contribution demonstrates the Council’s commitment to strengthening Adult and Non-Formal Education and ensuring that learners have access to the practical tools they need to develop employable skills, undertake income-generating activities and improve their livelihoods.

The four machines complement two sewing machines previously donated by DVV International, bringing the total number available at Ruvu JKT CLC to six. This combined support illustrates the value of collaboration between local government authorities and development partners in linking literacy and learning with practical skills and sustainable livelihood opportunities.

The Executive Director of Kibaha District Council, Ms Regina L. Bieda, thanked the participants and stakeholders who contributed to the celebrations, including DVV International, CAMFED, Anjita, Room to Read, entrepreneurship groups, municipal and district councils from across Coast Region, council officials, learners and community members.

Ms Bieda encouraged the graduates to become ambassadors for Adult and Non-Formal Education by motivating other members of their communities to acquire literacy, knowledge, entrepreneurship skills and other practical competencies that can support self-employment and improved livelihoods.

Speaking on behalf of the learners, Ms Zuhura Mteri expressed appreciation to the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania for its continued leadership in strengthening and overseeing the provision of adult education across the country.

In his closing remarks, the Chairperson of Kibaha District Council, Hon. Shomari Minshehe, congratulated the learners for their determination to pursue education and acquire new knowledge and skills. He also reminded community members to take the necessary precautions against the potential effects of El Niño rains.

The celebration reaffirmed that Adult and Non-Formal Education extends beyond acquiring basic literacy. It equips adults and young people with practical competencies, confidence and opportunities to participate more fully in economic and community life. Through continued cooperation among the Government, local authorities, communities and partners such as DVV International, Community Learning Centres can become powerful platforms for lifelong learning and sustainable development.