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Post: Updates: 67th Independence Day CelebrationsPUBLIC LIBRARIES REMAIN RELEVANT AMID DIGITALISATION

Twenty-nine contingents from 29 Schools have participated in the 67th Independence Day parade.

Present were Mr. Wilson Kwami Agbanyo, Kadjebi District Chief Executive (DCE), Mr. Yao Gomado Member of Parliament (MP) for Akan Constituency, Mr. Seth Seyram Deh, Kadjebi District Director of Education, among others.

Biakoye District, Oti Region

Tapa-Abotoase, 10:57AM

About 768 pupils, teachers and other recognised groups have taken pat in a parade at Tapa-Abotoase to commemorate Ghana’s 67th Independence Day.

Madam Millicent Kabuki Carboo, Biakoye District Chief Executive (DCE) was the Reviewing Officer for the celebration on the theme: ‘Our Democracy, Our Pride.’

Independence Day Parade

Nkwanta, 10:45AM

Asokore-Mampong

Kumasi, 10:35

Pupils from Garden City Special School marching at the 67th Independence Day parade in the Asokore-Mampong Municipality.

Ho: 67th Independence Day events

Ho, 10:30AM

Western Regional Minister, Service Chiefs inspect Independence Day parade

Sekondi, 10:25AM

The Western R
egional Minister, Mr Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah and some security service chiefs inspect the Independence Day parade, at Sekondi Gyandu Park.

Independence Parade underway at Kumasi Academy

Kumasi, 9:38AM

Scenes from Koforidua Youth Resource Centre, venue for the National Independence Parade

Koforidua, 9:30AM

Upper East Regional Minister inspects parade

Bolgatanga, 9:00AM

Mr Stephen Yakubu, the Upper East Regional Minister, inspects the parade before marching begins to commemorate Ghana’s 67th Independence Day.

Ablekuma North Municipal Independence Day parade

Kwashieman, 8:58AM

A total of 22 contingents, compromising 12 schools, seven cadets, and three bands are participating in the 67th Independence Day parade at the Kwashieman Cluster of Schools.

Bolgatanga ready for 67th Independence Day parade

Bolgatanga, 8:48AM

The various security agencies, cadet corps, pupils, students among others have taken their positions for the Independence Day march past to begin.

All set for Independence Day Parade
at Dambai

Dambai, 8:44AM

All is set for the anniversary match at Dambai in the Krachi East Municipal area in Oti Region.

NDC salutes the people of Ghana

Accra, 8:20AM

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has extended heartfelt congratulations to the people of Ghana on the occasion of the 67th Independence Day.

A statement issued by Mr Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, the General Secretary NDC, copied to the Ghana News Agency said Independence Day was a moment for solemn reflection on the nation’s journey and resilience in the face of persistent challenges.

Source: Ghana News Agency

WINDHOEK: Despite a significant change in the public’s access to and consumption of information brought about by digitalisation, public libraries in Namibia continue to be important hubs for knowledge and information.

The advent of digitalisation has dramatically changed the way the public accesses and consumes information. The rapid digitisation of societies has raised questions about the continued relevance of public libraries and whether they still have a place in the modern era.

Despite these, public libraries continue to play an important role in Namibian society amid the digital age and free internet access to information, including books.

This is according to Sarah Negumbo, the Director of the Namibia Library and Archives Service. Negumbo told Nampa in an interview that public libraries remain relevant even in the digital age for many reasons, including free access to a wide range of information resources.

‘The public libraries are continuing to fulfil a significant role by providing free access to
the internet and e-resources, facilitating skills development through ICT training, and assisting with online job applications, particularly in areas where access to electricity is limited, benefiting underserved communities,’ she said.

The Directorate of Namibia Library and Archives Service in the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture oversees 66 public libraries in Namibia and Negumbo said they have adapted well to the digitalisation.

Negumbo noted that the advent of the Internet, or digital age, did not diminish the importance of public libraries in Namibia, with 60 of the public libraries offering free internet access and e-resources to their respective communities.

‘Currently, some of the public libraries are already using computerised systems such as Koha and Symphony; these are systems installed to manage libraries’ collections and resources.

Libraries have transformed into dynamic community centres, adapting to the evolving needs of their patrons. They are now offering a range of digital resourc
es, including e-newspapers, e-magazines, free access to social media, basic ICT training, artificial intelligence services, library automation, and open-source software,’ Negumbo explained.

She said the directorate has initiated several innovative programmes to ensure public libraries remain relevant in the digital age.

These include services such as basic and advanced ICT training and graphic design, online job applications, and mobile library services. Public libraries countrywide also offer a range of services to the general public, such as homework assistance for learners and reading activities.

Others include information sharing sessions on agriculture, health, and crafts, as well as entrepreneurial skills development such as sewing, soap making, and bead making.

Negumbo said public libraries also provide career guidance in collaboration with human resources practitioners and professionals.

‘Through literacy and numeracy skills development, the directorate has introduced the Namibia Reads App, an on
line reading application with more than 10 000 e-books and audio-books for young learners between the ages of seven and twelve.

‘These books can be read, or the system can read them to learners. The directorate further introduced the spelling bee competitions, just to instil a culture of reading and participation among the children,’ she said.

For these reasons, Negumbo stated that public libraries are still a good public investment and that they are still essential to the general public.

‘Public libraries in Namibia have undertaken initiatives to alleviate poverty by promoting information and communication technology services within their facilities. This strategy aims to enhance the living conditions of community members and bridge the digital divide. Libraries play a crucial role in advancing global education outcomes by leveraging devices such as cellular phones, tablets, and computers, along with their associated applications and software.

‘By incorporating technology, libraries empower learners to a
ctively participate in a global knowledge economy. This not only enriches their understanding of the world, but also amplifies their voices and strengthens their position as they navigate their roles in the broader global context,’ Negumbo explained.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency