MADOMBIDZHA – The fact that there is no age limit in education was proved by 103 adults from the Sinthumule/Kutama area, who completed a one-year South African National Literacy Initiatives Certificate. Their graduation ceremony was held at Litshovhu High School last Tuesday.

They are not trained to become self-employed, or for job-related purposes, but to read and write. The training project (SANLI) that is aimed at curbing illiteracy amongst adults, was initiated in 2001, and is being facilitated by UNISA. In the South African National Literacy Initiative Certificate, that is regarded as a first level skill, the adults specialised in Maths (Numeracy), and Literacy (that includes mother tongue and English). However, all those who graduated come from Litshovhu, Magau, Maluta, Jonathan, Tshiozwi, Tshikwani and Masedi adult learning centres. Presently, about 140 adult learners are still training at these centres.

Mrs MT Marandela, a tutor, said that the idea of introducing this training for adult learners is to reduce illiteracy amongst those who were unable to go to school, due to poverty and other causes. "These learners can now read and write, and they will no longer need to ask their grandchildren to read letters for them. They are no longer going to use their thumb print as a form of a signature and when they go shopping, they will be able to read price tags by themselves," Mrs Marandela explains. Asked if the duration of the course not is too short, she said that it is not short, adding that teaching adults needs patience and commitment.

The School Principal of Litshovhu High School, Mr TT Mulaudzi, who was a guest speaker, said that they are no longer going to be robbed and when touring other areas, they could just read the road signs for directions. "In the past, women were not allowed to go to school, as it was said that school is not good for them, as it could made them mad and this kind of evil thinking needs to be changed" he said. He congratulated the graduates, saying that they are "cracks", as they had completed their training, facilitated by an institution whose standards are very high (UNISA).