( 1 ) State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe sends message of felicitations to Tajikistan

Yangon, 9 Sept - Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to His Excellency Mr Imamali Sharipovich Rahmonov, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, on the occasion of the Independence Day of the Republic of Tajikistan which falls on 9 September 2002.

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( 2 ) Secretary-1 inspects development tasks in Lashio, Hsipaw

Yangon, 8 Sept - State Peace and Development Council Secretary-1 Border Areas and National Races Development Implementation Work Committee Chairman Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt inspected development tasks in Lashio and Hsipaw in northern Shan State yesterday morning.

The Secretary-1,  arrived at the Shan State People's Hospital in Lashio at 7 am on 7-9- 2002. They were welcomed there by officials concerned, doctors and nurses. At the briefing hall, Additional Shan State Health Department Head Dr Nyunt Win Myint, Medical Superintendent Dr Khin Maung Wah reported matters on construction of delivery ward and children ward for upgrading the hospital into a 300-bed one. The commander and Deputy Minister for Health Prof Dr Mya Oo made supplementary reports. Asia World Co Managing Director U Tun Myint Naing reported on progress of in construction of the delivery ward. The Secretary-1 gave necessary instructions and inspected the operation theatre and labour room which have already been constructed.

Next, the Secretary-1 and party proceeded to sports ground in Lashio. He was reported on matters on model of the entrance archway of the sports ground and models of shops and construction works of modern stadium by the commander and U Tun Myint Naing of Asia World Co. The Secretary-1 gave necessary instructions and inspected the construction sites. They proceeded to Sin Shweli coffee plantation of North-East Command in Lashio. Deputy Commander Col Hla Myint of the command reported to him on matters relating to progress of coffee plantation and its production; and growing of 10,000 Sin Shweli coffee plants.

Next, the Secretary-1 and party inspected the pig breeding at the poultry, pig and fish breeding integrated farm of the command. The secretary-1 and party then arrived at Hsipaw by Tatmadaw helicopter.

Col Aung Min of Kyaukme Station, chairmen and members of Kyaukme district/township Peace and Development Councils, departmental staff, national race leaders, members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association and social organizations and local people welcomed the Secretary-1 and party.

The Secretary-1 and party met members of Township Peace and Development Council, departmental staff, USDA members and members of social organizations and townselders at City Hall in Hsipaw. Hsipaw Township Peace and Development Council Chairman U Ngwe Thaik reported to the Secretary-1 on location and population of the town, growing of monsoon paddy, beans and pulses, oil crops, industrial crops, arrangements for growing of cold season crops, estimated paddy production, growing of Sin Shweli hybrid paddy strain, road construction tasks, education, health and water supply tasks and requirements. Kyaukme District Peace and Development Council Chairman Lt-Col Maung Maung Kyi reported to the Secretary-1 on data of the district, health care tasks, educational tasks, tasks for agriculture, livestock breeding and water supply tasks, development tasks and requirements.

After attending to the needs, the Secretary-1 said nowadays the Government has been fulfilling the economic, education, health and social needs at its utmost to ensure balanced development of all the regions in the country. Hsipaw Township is located at the place where northern and southern parts of Shan State are connected. Hence, it is important in economic and transport sectors. The northern Shan State has achieved remarkable development in comparison with that of the past. As peace and tranquillity now prevails there, border areas development projects have commenced in the northern Shan State. As a result, developments can now be seen in transport, education, health, social, agriculture and economic sectors of northern Shan State. While the border areas including the northern Shan State are achieving remarkable developments, the 24 special development regions have been designated and measures are taken for accelerating the development momentum as guided by Head of State Senior General Than Shwe, he said.

The Loilem-Panglong region in Shan State is the 24th special development region. Moreover, in relation to the border area development tasks and development projects for the 24 special development regions, Head of State Senior General Than Shwe has laid down the five rural development tasks to be carried out for development of rural areas, he said. In implementing the regional development tasks for equitable development of all regions in the country, the participation of local people under the organization of departments is needed to be able to implement the projects.

Moreover, social organizations such as USDA, Maternal and Child Welfare Association, War Veterans Organization, Red Cross, Auxiliary Fire Brigade and Working Committee for Women's Affairs should be united in implementing the tasks, he said. Only when unity of the people can be built, will a peaceful, modern, developed nation emerge. That is why the government has laid down Our Three Main National Causes Ñ non-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of national solidarity and perpetuation of sovereignty as the national policy and has been making efforts in all sectors to see that the people are imbued with national solidarity spirit and the Union Spirit. There is less transport facilities in southern and northern Shan State. Under the guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe, arrangements are under way to upgrade the three main roads and roads linking the east and west regions of Shan State totalling over 570 miles to be tarred ones. With the progress of transport in the regions, Hsipaw Township will develop more. He spoke of the need for township officials and local people to actively participate in the government's regional development tasks for success.

Hsipaw is an agro-based township, so efforts are to be made for food sufficiency and for boosting production of tea, maize, various kinds of beans and pulses, oil crops and industrial crops. At a time when the government is laying emphasis on transport, education, health, social and economic developments of respective regions in the country while making efforts for propagation of national solidarity spirit and the Union Spirit, some destructive elements are making attempts to sow discord among the national races with a view to disintegrating our Union. The national brethren should understand the background history of the Union and genuine goodwill and attitude of the Government. And they are not to be swayed by the instigations and attempts to sow discord among the national races.

Personnel of departments concerned and social organizations are to organize and convince the national people to understand the Government's attitude and goodwill towards the national races to achieve equitable developments. The national peoples on their part are to possess family spirit and Union Spirit among them and strive unitedly for safeguarding the national sovereignty and national unity. Afterwards, the ceremony came to an end. Then, the Secretary-1 cordially met with those present at the ceremony.

After the ceremony, the Secretary-1 and party arrived at Basic Education High School in Hsipaw where they were welcomed by Township Education Officer U San Thein, members of the School Board of Trustees, Headmaster U Kyaw Myint and teachers, students, dance troupe members and the band. Next, the ceremony to donate the multimedia teaching aids was held at the school hall. At the ceremony, the Secretary-1 delivered an address. He said that they arrived there to present modern teaching aids, exercise books and pencils and fulfil other requirements at the Hsipaw Basic Education High School. At Hsipaw Basic Education High School, the multimedia teaching classrooms have been opened. It is known that the education level of the students is high. After drawing education promotion programmes systematically, the Government has been implementing the programmes in cooperation with the people in the entire nation. Due to participation of the people in implementing education promotion programmes at the different levels, successes have been achieved. Therefore, the national education promotion special four-year plan and the 30-year long-term education plan are being implemented.

The Secretary-1 urged the people to participate in implementation of the education plans. In Hsipaw Township, the multimedia teaching classrooms have emerged as a result of efforts actively made by the people, members of the school board of trustees, the teachers, the students and departments concerned in their respective sectors. The Secretary-1 said that they arrived there to present modern teaching aids as well as exercise books and pencils purchased by donations of the people to needy students. The Secretary-1 added measures will be taken for extension of the classrooms at Hsipaw BEHS. As such, it is necessary for the students to try hard to become intellectual and intelligentsia using modern teaching aids of the school and the teachers should nurture their pupils to become outstanding students in accord with the aims of the State. In conclusion, the Secretary-1 called on members of the school board of trustees and the people to harmoniously maintain and strive for the development of the school. Then, the Secretary-1 presented a computer and a video set, teaching aids, 1,805 dozens of exercise books and 300 dozens of pencils for Hsipaw BEHS to Township Education Officer U San Thein who spoke words of thanks. Next, the Secretary-1 cordially met with members of the school board of trustees and the teachers.

Afterwards, the Secretary-1 and party inspected the computer aided instruction room, the computer skills room, the audio room, the reading corner (silence room) and the language lab and learning of the students at the centre. The Secretary-1 and party proceeded to historic Bawkyo Muhtaw Pagoda in Hsipaw where they were welcomed by members of the Pagoda Board of Trustees, Union Solidarity and Development Association, social organizations and local people. Then, the Secretary-1 and party paid homage to Yadana Manaung, Yadana Nyanaung, Yadana Zanaung and Yadana Yanaung Buddha images and offered gold foils.

The Secretary-1 donated cash towards the funds of the pagoda and signed in the visitors' book. Next, the Secretary-1 and party paid homage to Township Sangha Nayaka Committee Chairman Sayadaw Bhaddanta Milinda and members of the Sangha and donated provisions to the Sayadaws at Bawkyo Monastery. Afterwards, the Secretary-1 and party arrived back in Lashio. At Lashio Airport, Managing Director U Tun Myint Naing of Asia World Co Ltd reported to the Secretary-1 on extension of the Lashio Airport building and the runway of the airport.

The Secretary-1 gave necessary instructions. Then, the Secretary-1 and party arrived back here yesterday afternoon. Deputy Minister for Health Prof Dr Mya Oo, who accompanied the Secretary-1, inspected Hsenwi Township Hospital on 6 September, Hsipaw Township Hospital (100-bed) on 7 September and fulfilled the requirements in treatments.

Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt inspects all-round construction work on Mindhamma Hill

Yangon, 8 Sept - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, arrived at Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Buddha Image on Mindhamma Hill in Insein Township at 10.30 am today.

They were welcomed there by Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin, Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein, Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko, heads of department, members of the Pagoda Board of Trustees and officials.

First, the Secretary-1 and party paid homage to the Buddha Image. Then, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko and officials reported to the Secretary-1 on work being carried out for sanitation and greening the environs of Mindhamma Hill and construction of religious edifices on the hill.

The Secretary-1 gave necessary instructions and fulfilled the requirements. Next, the Secretary-1 and party arrived at the white elephants care office, where Director-General of Forest Department U Shwe Kyaw and Director U Myint Swe reported on work being carried out for health care services of the white elephants and feedstuff.

The Secretary-1 gave necessary instructions. Then, the Secretary-1 and party proceeded to the house of the white elephants and inspected the elephants and left there later in the morning.

Secretary-1 accepts donations for construction of Daw Dhammesi Okkyaung in Mayangon

Yangon, 8 Sept - The first donation ceremony for Daw Dhammesi Okkyaung to be built in Ward 5 of Mayangon Township was held at Thabbyinnyu Stupa in Mayangon Township at 2 pm today, attended by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

Construction Committee Chairman Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe reported on the purpose of construction of the Okkyaung. Then, Secretary of the Work Committee Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Brig-Gen Khin Maung reported on progress in construction of Daw Dhammesi Okkyaung which will be 230 feet long and 120 feet wide.

Next, the donation ceremony followed. The Secretary-1, the minister and the mayor accepted K 20 million donated by the commanding officers, officers and families of Border Areas Immigration Inspection Regiment; K 2.5 million by YCDC; K 500,000 by Ministry of Transport; K 200,000 by Ministry of Industry-2; K 50,000 by Brig-Gen Khin Maung-Thudhamma Theingi Daw Aye Aye Cho and family; K 2 million by U Thein Win-Daw Ni of Shwe Than Lwin Co; K 1 million by Golden Flower Co; K 500,000 by Asia World Co; K 500,000 by AWB Bank; K 300,000 each by Htay Myanmar Co; Mann Myanmar Co; U Hla Myint-Daw Yi Yi Nyunt and family; and Myanmar Overseas Seafarers Association; K 100,000 each by Myanma Sugarcane Enterprise; Daw Aye Myat Nwe and family; and U Nyein of OK Rice Brokerage; K 300,000 each by Myanmar Computer Federation; Myanmar Computer Scientists Association; and Myanmar Computer Industry Association; K 500,000 by Myanmar Information and Communication Technology Development Corporation; K 300,000 each by Bagan Cybertech; and CE Technology; K 100,000 each by MCC; ACE Data Systems; KMD; Winner; CTT; Myanmar Compu Mart; Queen Star (MNT Co); Myanmar World Distribution; GeoComp Myanmar Co; World Peace IT Co; Information; Inforithm-Image Co; Myanmar Intergraph Trading Co; Integra Co; Lucky Bird Co; Myanmar Millennium Group Co; MIT Co; Ray Net Information Technology; Suntac Technologies; Asian HR Co; Mysoft Technologies Co; Myanma Shipyards; Department for Civil Aviation; Department Marine Administration; Myanma Airways; Inland Water Transport; Myanmar Maritime University; Institute of Marine Technology; Myanma Five Star Line; Myanma Port Authority; Directorate Water Resource and Improvement of River Systems; and Directorate of Meteorology and Hydrology; K 50,000 by Myanmar Pulses, Beans and Sesame Seeds Merchants Association; K 36,000 by U Ko Thu Shein-Daw Swe Swe Han, K 20,000 by U Aung Myint-Daw Yin Yin Lwin and K 10,000 by U Aung Naing-Daw Paw Kyaw, totalling K 33,966,000. Then, the Secretary-1 gave instructions on construction of the Daw Dhammesi Okkyaung to officials.

After the ceremony, the Secretary-1 and party paid obeisance to ancient Buddha images at the Okkyaung.

( 3 ) The Union of Myanmar now stands in the group of high rate of literacy
Concerted efforts to be made for "Literacy of all the citizens" during International Literacy Decade
2002 International Literacy Day observed

Yangon, 8 Sept - A ceremony to mark the International Literacy Day for 2002 was held at the Diamond Jubilee Hall on Pyay Road here this morning, with an address by Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

First, gold medal award winning students formally opened the ceremony to mark ILD which falls on 8 September 2002 with the song "Do-in do-er". Then, Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt made a speech. He said: The United Nations Organizations has designated the 8th of September as the International Literacy Day since 1967. Every member nation of the United Nations has celebrated the Literacy Day. The Union of Myanmar also celebrates this Literacy Day every year, participating in the International Literacy movements.

The Literacy Day of this year is a special one and so also is the year 2002. Among the programmes submitted to the United Nations by UNESCO, "8th September 2002 to 8th September 2012" is to be regarded as the International Literacy Decade. Today is the beginning of the International Literacy Decade, so Today and This Year can be said to be unique. On such a special occasion as the International Literacy Decade, the concerted efforts of the Union of Myanmar, in its endeavours for literacy of the world's populace are being enhanced.

With the belief and the hope that the gap between the rich and the poor could be diminished when the level of education of every nation is raised, International Conferences and Regional Seminars on Education are being conducted, and this is the time when every nation is endeavouring to realize its vision of upgrading the level of education of its countrymen. Since attending the 1990 World Conference on Education For All held at Jomtien, the Union of Myanmar has set a goal to reduce the rate of illiteracy to half of 22% the rate in year 1990. Due to active participation in the programmes and activities in International Education and Literacy campaigns, the adult literacy rate of 2001 was only 8.6% less than half of that of 1990.

After the 1990, Jomtien World Conference on Education for All, the World Conference on Education, led by UNESCO, was held at Dakar, Senegal from 26th to 28th April 2002, and six goals were set down. Government organizations, associations, departments and non-government organizations will be sharing the responsibilities. In implementing EFA Programmes, it can be seen that both formal and non-formal education are developed equally. As a proof to this, to eradicate illiteracy in the future, to ensure enrolment of school-going age children and to retain them in schools. School Enrolment Week Programmes are conducted and Post Primary Schools are being opened by the government in collaboration with the people of the state. These are so successful that the school enrolment rate of children in schools have increased to 93.07%. This is only a preventive measure. As a curative measure, 3 R's literacy programmes for people above school-going age and for adults are being conducted in force at the respective states/divisions including the border areas.

As the upgrading of education is a social objective of the state, the government is implementing Education Promotion Programmes, the Special Four Year National Education Plan and the Long-Term 30-Year Education Development Plan. Education for All (EFA) projects are also being carried out systematically and simultaneously. Under the EFA programmes are two streams of education, Formal Education and Non-formal Education. To further increase the rate of literacy, Non-formal Education Programmes are conducted by the Education For All Co-ordinating Central Committee which is led by Myanmar Naing Ngan Education Committee and the EFA Executive Committee which is chaired by the Minister of Education. Under these two committees are the EFA Committees at the state, division, district, township and village levels. Due to the systematic implementation of the programmes, the goal set for the adult illiteracy rate to be 11% has been bettered. It now stands at 9%, and therefore, the adult literacy rate has increased from 89% to 91%. Due to the total literacy completion throughout States/Divisions, the adult literacy rate has risen to 91.4% in the year 2001.

This reflects the determination which is in the National Oath "to make all the citizens of the Union of Myanmar literate". To upgrade the National Education, the state nurtures youths in schools for all round development, moral development and to be highly motivated and to excel in studies. Moreover, to achieve the international standard, Multi-media classrooms are being established at schools to offer teaching and learning based on Information and Communication Technology and Basic Education Sectors and Higher Education Sector are being bridged harmoniously. In trying to materialize the National Objective to Upgrade Education of the Entire Nation, trends in education and practical application sectors are being amended at the basic level. The narrow concept of education for literacy only has transformed gradually and systematically to literacy as a tool for education and to use it extensively for the "Open Education System", which offers more opportunities and more electives. The Union of Myanmar has become a member of Group (A), of Asia Pacific Regions, that is, it now stands in the group of nations that have a high rate of literacy. In some places of Myanmar, where total literacy programmes have been completed, continuing education programmes which include post literacy programmes, income generating programmes and quality of life improvement programmes are being carried out.

Community Learning Centres are an important component in Continuing Education Programmes. Community Learning Centres, established by the local people for the people in their own communities, are places where people can get together any time, for recreation, for gathering information, for learning vocational education and to talk about and discuss the local affairs and issues. 414 Learning Centres, including Model Villages, have been established throughout the country and income generating programmes and quality of life improvement programmes related to literacy are being conducted. These centres have been established with the help of the Ministry of Education and the Myanmar Education Research Bureau and they also received aids from UNDP and local organizations.

The Ministry of Education is implementing a network between these centres and other centres to be opened. The Head of State, in his guidelines, has stated that as Knowledge Bank Libraries are being opened systematically and extensively at the respective States/Divisions, townships and village tracts, opportunities are being created for illiterate people to become literate and for literate people to continue reading. As there are continuous development in various fields of study all over the world, every literate person must study systematically for the socio-economical development. Community Learning Centres and Knowledge Bank Libraries take a very prominent role in establishing a Learning Society in Myanmar.

Because of the follow-up literacy programmes, in Mon State and Bago Division which are the total literacy completed areas, there is an increase of (11097) literates in 2002. As efforts are being made for total literacy completion in Rakhine State, Kayin State and Taninthayi Division, the number of literates in Rakhine State has been increased to (73505). The Head of State, Senior General Than Shwe, has directed that 3R's classes should be opened in the border areas to provide literacy for those children above school-going age, who for various reasons could not attend school.

So, the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the Ministry for the Development of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs, have opened Summer "3R's" Courses at the border areas since 1996. As a result, (21815) people have become literate in Kokant, Wa, East Keng Tung, Rakhine, Kayin, PaO, Palong, Shan and Naga areas. In 2002, these 3R's Summer Courses have been extended to Waing Maw Township in Kachin Special (1), Bahmaw Man Si and Moe Mauk Township, Kachin Special (2), Kut Khine and Lashore Townships in North-eastern Shan, Ta Mu Township in Gabaw Gyaint Whan, Ye Phyu in Taninthayi, Tachilek in Eastern Keng Tung (the Eastern Side), Bhuthi Taung and Rathe Taung in Rakhine and (5425) people of the national races have become literate.

Together with its concerted efforts for adult literacy under the 30-year plan, success is being achieved in preventing the increased rate of illiterates among all the school going age children. An important undertaking under the 30-year plan, enrollment of school going age children project, was carried out at 55 focused townships and it is a well-known fact that due honour has been bestowed on well deserved people by the Ministry of Education. In the academic year 1999-2000, the enrollment rate was 91 per cent, in 2000-2001 it was 91.05 per cent, in 2001-2002-92.05 and in 2002-2003, it has become 93.07 per cent. There is a rapid increase in the annual rate of enrollment and the number of students enrolled in the Kindergarten this year was (1,233,002). At the same time, to create opportunities for children in rural areas to acquire Middle School Level Education effectively at their local areas, the opening of 2,400 Post Primary Schools during the 2002-2003 academic year is an achievement.

As this is a unique and effective operation, I would like to urge and persuade the people of the state, wellwishers and social organizations to pool their efforts and participation with the Ministry of Education. As a strategy for Education, an Equivalency Programme between Formal and Non-formal Education has been initiated, research has been done on Non-formal Primary Education and a Curriculum for it has been drawn up and text books are now ready for use. Therefore, it is being implemented in some areas during this academic year. This should be treated as a programme that caters access to Primary Education and Upgrading of Quality and should be implemented extensively.

In conclusion I would like to urge all of you
- to make concerted efforts for the "Literacy of all the citizens" during the International Literacy Decade.
- to co-operate in the long-term achievement of school going age children, taking the success in the enrollment of all the school going age children project as a model and
- to establish Community Learning Centres which can create a life-long learning Society of Myanmar after successfully implementing basic literacy programmes and continuing education programmes such as post literacy programmes, income generating programmes and quality of life improvement programmes. Then, Resident Coordinator of UNDP Mr Patrice Coeur-Bizot read out message of UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan. Next, General-Secretary of Myanmar-UNESCO National Commission Rector of Yangon Institute of Education Dr Khin Zaw read message of the UNESCO Director-General.

Then, gold medal award winning students presented Zartiman song. Afterwards, Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt presented first, second and third prizes for basic education middle school level essay competition to seventh grader Maung Phyo Paing Thaw of BEMS 1 South Okkalapa Township, seventh grader Maung Tun Aung of BEMS 3 Myitkyina and fifth grader Maung Ye Min Aung of BEHS 1 Pyay; first, second and third prizes for basic education high school level essay competition to eighth grader Ma Hnin Ye Myat of BEHS 2 Bogalay, tenth grader Ma Ei Ei Win Naung of BEHS 1 Lanmadaw Township and eighth grader Ma Nilar Tun of BEHS 2 Nyaunglebin; first, second and third prizes for education college level essay competition to Ma Win Myint Tin of Mawlamyine Education College, Ma Zin Nu Nu Htway of Thingangyun Education College and Ma Nyo Zin Myint of Myaungmya Education College.

Then, gold medalists students sang " Education for All' and entertained the audience with dances to the accompaniment of Myanma Traditional dohbat troupe. After the ceremony, the Secretary-1 and party and guests viewed round the documentaries on events of Myanmar Literacy Campaign.

Director-General of UNESCO sends message on International Literacy Day

Yangon, 8 Sept - The following is the message sent by Mr Koichiro Matsuura, Director-General of UNESCO on the occasion of the International Literacy Day.

International Literacy Day is an occasion to celebrate the importance of literacy to individuals, communities and societies everywhere and to affirm the centrality of literacy within all struggles for sustainable human development. It is also an opportunity to send a message of hope and encouragement to the estimated 862 million adults, of whom about two-thirds are women, whose illiteracy currently excludes them from full participation in society.

This year, we draw particular attention to the forthcoming United Nations Literacy Decade, which will be launched at the beginning of 2003. The nations of the world have given their collective support for this important new initiative, which will provide an international framework for mobilizing efforts to spread the benefits of literacy as widely as possible in the years ahead. The Decade will be crucial for galvanizing action to achieve the agreed international goal of a 50 per cent improvement in levels of adult literacy by 2015, especially for women. This goal must be pursued in conjunction with the wider Education for All agenda, notably the guarantee of a quality basic education for all children, boys and girls, so that a lasting foundation of literacy skills is laid.

It is intolerable that around 1 in 5 people in the world still do not have access to literacy skills. How can we build equitable information societies or thriving democracies if so many remain without the basic tools of literacy? How can intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding prosper when the literacy divide is so great? And how can poverty be eradicated when the roots of ignorance are left undisturbed? In a world constructed around the assumption that everyone has the basic skills of literacy and where literacy and freedom are indissolubly linked, to be illiterate is to be unfree.

As we make the final preparations for the United Nations Literacy Decade, we must draw upon the lessons of experience. We know, for example, that one size does not fit all: instead of standardized programmes, more customized approaches are needed. We know that women and men have different needs and that these differences must be reflected in learning content and processes. We know that learning is most fruitful when it is an enjoyable experience undertaken with others. We also know that literacy is best acquired in connection with practical purposes and uses, such as building livelihoods, solving problems, and accessing new information-in short, ways in which people empower and transform themselves and their society.

Today, it is increasingly recognized that there are multiple "literacies" which are diverse, have many dimensions and are learned in different ways. In all cases, however, each kind of literacy must lead to sustainable and meaningful use - this must be our goal for the forthcoming Literacy Decade.

On International Literacy Day, we also celebrate the dedicated efforts of countless facilitators, animators and teachers who work so hard to bring learning opportunities to others. As the unsung heroes of literacy; they are a reminder to UNESCO and its partners at international and national levels that our role must be to strengthen local capacity and to support community initiatives. Indeed, it is vital that learners themselves, in their own contexts and guided by their own aspirations and hopes, shape the literacy agenda. Only this will result in societies that sustain their own use of written communication and their own learning.

( 4 ) Provisions donated to monasteries in Yangon West District

Yangon, 8 Sept - Families of the Defence Services (Army, Navy and Air) and wellwishers donated provisions and cash towards the funds of Maha Theindawgyi Pariyatti Monastery in Pabedan Township and Mon Pariyatti Monastery in Seikkan Township of Yangon West District this afternoon.

The ceremony was held at Maha Theindawgyi Pariyatti Monastery, attended by Presiding Nayaka of the monastery Agga Maha Ganthavacaka Pandita Bhaddanta Kumara and the Sayadaw of the Mon Pariyatti Monastery, members of the Sangha, member of the State Peace and Development Council Adjutant-General Maj-Gen Thein Sein, Chief of Staff (Navy) Rear-Admiral Soe Thein, Vice-Adjutant-General Brig-Gen Maung Nyo, Vice-Quartermaster-General Brig-Gen Kyaw Win, senior military officers, local authorities, social organizations and wellwishers.

The congregation took the Five Precepts from Saya-daw Bhaddanta Kumara. Then, Adjutant-General Maj-Gen Thein Sein, Chief of Staff (Navy) Rear-Admiral Soe Thein and Vice-Adjutant-General Brig-Gen Maung Nyo donated provisions to the Sayadaws. Next, Chief of Staff (Navy) Rear-Admiral Soe Thein, Vice-Adjutant-General Brig-Gen Maung Nyo and Colonel General Staff (Air) (Mechanical) Col Ye Chit Pe offered rice donated by Tatmadaw families to the Sayadaw of Maha Theindawgyi Pariyatti Monastery, who accepted the donations on behalf of the monasteries. Afterwards, the well-wishers donated provisions to the Sayadaw of Maha Theindawgyi Pariyatti Monastery.

Adjutant-General Maj-Gen Thein Sein accepted donations for the trust-funds of the monasteries from the wellwishers. On behalf of the monasteries, Rear-Admiral Soe Thein, Brig-Gen Maung Nyo, Brig-Gen Kyaw Win and senior military officers accepted donations from 77 wellwishers. A total of 82 wellwishers donated K 5,000,250 for the funds of the monasteries. Director-General U Sann Lwin of Department for Promotion and Propagation of the Sasana supplicated on the religious affairs. Then, Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kumara delivered a sermon, followed by sharing of merits. Today's donations were: 127 bags of rice, 19 viss of edible oil, 38 viss of gram, 200 viss of iodized salt, 20 tubes of tooth paste, 1,558 bottles of traditional medicines, 20 packets of jam and K 5,000,250.

Provisions donated to monasteries in Yangon North District

Yangon, 8 Sept - Families of the Defence Services (Army, Navy and Air) and wellwishers donated provisions and cash towards the funds of Byugon Tawya, Shwe Nyaungbin, Zaygon, Arthawkayon, PhaungdawU and Myat Thandar monasteries and Dhammawadi nunnery in Insein Township of Yangon North District at the ceremony held at the Byugon Tawya Sarthintaik in Gyogon east ward at 4 pm today.

The ceremony was attended by Byugon Tawya Presiding Nayaka Sayadaw Bhaddanta Arcinna and sayadaws, nuns, State Peace and Development Council member Adjutant-General Maj-Gen Thein Sein, Chief of Staff (Navy) Rear-Admiral Soe Thein, Vice-Adjutant-General Brig-Gen Maung Nyo, senior military officers, local authorities, personnel of social organizations and wellwishers.

First, Adjutant-General Maj-Gen Thein Sein and party presented offertories to the Sayadaws. Next, Chief of Staff (Navy) Rear-Admiral Soe Thein, Vice-Adjutant-General Brig-Gen Maung Nyo and Colonel General Staff (Air) (Mechanical) Col Ye Chit Pe offered rice donated by Tatmadaw families to the Sayadaws. Next, departmental personnel, those of social organizations and well-wishers donated rice, edible oil, salt, medicines, pulses & beans and offertories to the sayadaws.

Next, wellwishers presented cash donations for funds of the monasteries to Adjutant-General Maj-Gen Thein Sein, Chief of Staff (Navy) Rear-Admiral Soe Thein, Vice-Adjutant-General Brig-Gen Maung Nyo and senior military officers. The donations were: K 70,000 by Tatmadaw families; K 70,000 by Union of Myanmar Economic Holdings Ltd; K 21,000 by Yangon North District Peace and development Council; K 21,000 by Insein Township Peace and Development Council; K 14,000 Insein Locomotive Shed; K 20,000 by Htet Lin Pharmacy; K 50,050 by Sandi Traditional Pharmacy; K 100,000 by Kyaw Pharmacy; K 50,000 by Sun Myanmar Co; K 100,000 by Thitsar Pankhin Hotel & Travelling Co; K 11,900 by Dagon U Tin Win and family; K 20,000 by Myanmar Rice Millers Association; K 20,000 by Kaythipan Pharmacy; K 20,000 by Daw Mya Thein and family; K 30,000 by Myanmar Fisheries Federation and Yangon Division Fisheries Federation; K 200,000 by Ayeyamyay Group; K 35,000 by Myint Myat rice dealers group; K 70,000 by Thamada Thingan House; K 100,000 by BTB Co; K 70,000 by Win Yadana Passenger Transport; K 30,000 by Daw Hla Hla of Lanmadaw Township; K 30,000 by Tun Shwewa Pharmacy; K 70,000 by Insein Township Edible Oil Dealers; K 30,000 by Gyogon east ward dwellers and K 10,000 by Insein Township Law Office.

Today's donations were 367 bags of rice, 90 viss of edible oil, 550 viss of iodized salt, 55 tubes of tooth paste, 190 viss of pulses & beans, 1,266 bottles of traditional medicines and K 1,412,150.

( 5 ) Work coordination meeting between MNCWA and Kayin State WCWA held

Yangon, 8 Sept - Member of the Myanmar National Committee for Women's Affairs and the Myanmar National Working Committee for Women Affairs leader of the field study group Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, accompanied by wife of the Commander of South-East Command Daw Than Than Nwe, Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Myo Hla, member of MNWCWA and officials, arrived in Hpa-an, Kayin State, on 6 September.

Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe met members of Kayin State Women's Affairs Work Committee at the guest house of No 22 LID.

Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and members of the Women's Affairs Work Committee attended coordination meeting of MNWCWA and Kayin State Women's Affairs Work Committee at Zwekabin Hall in Hpa-an.

Present were wife of the Commander of South-East Command Daw Than Than Nwe, Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Myo Hla, Chairman of Kayin State Peace and Development Council Col Cho Tun Aung and wife, member of Kayin State Women's Affairs Work Committee Daw Nan Yin May Win, senior military officers of regional station, chairmen of Kayin State, District and Township Peace and Development Councils and members, departmental officials, International Committee of the Red Cross, representatives of non-governmental organizations, Phado Aung San who exchanged arms for peace and wife, members of War Veterans Organization, members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association, Chairman of Kayin State Women's Affairs Work Committee U Kyaw Lin and members, members of Women's Affairs Work Committee from Hpa-an, Hlaingbwe, Papun, Thandaung and Kya-in Seikkyi Townships, members of Maternal and Child Welfare Association, Red Cross and Auxiliary Fire Brigades, nurses, teachers of Education College, students and local national races totaling about 750.

Chairman Col Cho Tun Aung extended greetings. He said: To ensure development of the mass of women who make up half of the Myanmar population, the Myanmar National Committee for Women's Affairs was formed since1996. With a view to taking effective measures for the women sector throughout the nation, the NCWA at different levels were systematically formed right down to district, township, ward and villages nationwide.

The anti-government organizations, the insurgents and their families who lived at refugee camps in the other country in collusion with internal and external destructive elements are manufacturing concocted and fabricated accusations about Myanmar.

In the latest development, they are making fabricated and false news saying that Myanmar did not take systematic measures in preventing trafficking in women and children. The Myanmar National Working Committee for Women's Affairs has been making all-out efforts by forming special groups in preventing young women from being smuggled out of the country and in preventing violence against women.

To be able to carry out work for development of the women sector and to enable women in Kayin State to fully enjoy the women rights, Kayin State Women's Affairs Working Committees at different levels were formed with those from social organizations, departments, health and administrative fields.

In accord with guidance of the MNWCWA, the committees at different levels have been exerting sustained efforts in education, health, economic, culture, environmental conservation and information and communication sectors as well as in measures for violence against women and rehabilitation sector.

The committees at different levels in Kayin State are placing emphasis on prevention of human smuggling related to prevention of violence against women and rehabilitation, accepting illegal Myanmar workers who entered Myanmar and sending them back to their homes.

Therefore, MNWCWA is to make a field trip in Hpa-an as well as in other parts of Kayin State right down to villages. This being so, it will contribute much towards measures concerning women's affairs as well as mass of women in Kayin State.

He expressed thanks to members of MNWCWA for discussions on women affairs in Kayin State during monsoon.

Secretary of MNCWA and MNWCWA Director-General U Sit Myaing of Social Welfare Department introduced members of MNWCWA to those present.

Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe explained about the purpose of the field trip. She said the State Peace and Development Council is carrying out the tasks for emergence of a peaceful modern developed nation upholding Our Three Main National Causes. The points contained in Our Three Main National Causes are related to each other. During the independence struggle, all national races were united. However, there were doubts among national races due to divide-and rule policy of the colonialists who attempted to sow discord among the national people. Despite much destructive acts and obstacles, the government made mutual understanding among the national races without any doubts. Therefore, most of the armed groups returned to the legal fold. A few armed groups were left in the jungle due to external interference in them. They are still attempting to break up national solidarity.

After formation of a separate ministry for development of border areas and social life of national races, the government is making efforts for narrowing development gap between states and plain regions. The armed groups that made peace with the government are participating in regional development tasks. Construction of roads and bridges is the basic task. Moreover, the tasks for education, health care service, electric power, agriculture and communications services are being implemented. Insurgents and a group of unscrupulous persons cooked up fabrications, trying to disintegrate the Union that is developing due to cooperative efforts of the State and national brethren. So, we are to be united.

All are to strive for non-disintegration of the Union. Some people, thinking highly of other countries, went abroad because they thought they would be rich only when they worked in other countries, and were in great troubles. Our work committees at different levels are preventing such incidents and holding educative talks for the youths in order not to be misled. Now, we arrived here to know true current situations and to help, meet and hold discussions with girls in states.

Then, deputy leader of the field study group member of MNCWA and Vice-Chairperson of MNWCWA Professor Dr Daw May May Yi explained new organizational set-up of MNWCWA.

Next, leader of the education group Professor Daw Khin Aye Win and leader of the health group Dr Moe Moe Khaing explained matters related to their sectors.

Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe explained the prevention tasks of the violent against women and of the illegal trafficking in women and children.

Afterwards, leader of the economic affairs group Daw Sein Sein, leader of the culture group Daw Thein Thein Nyunt, leader of the information and communication group Daw Mya Mya, leader of the international relations group Professor Daw Yi Yi Myint, on behalf of the leader of the environmental conservation, leader of the girls and adult group Daw Khin Myo Myint and leader of the legal affairs and consultation group Daw Aye Aye Kyi explained matters related to their sectors.

Next, Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe presented medicines donated by the Ministry of Health to member Kayin State WCWA Leader of prevention of violence against women and rehabilitation group Daw Nan Yin May Win and exercise books donated by MNCWA to member Kayin State WCWA Kayin State Education Officer U Saw Ba Hlaing.

Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe cordially greeted those present and observed documentary photos at the showroom. Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and party presented offertories to Presiding Sayadaw U Nandobasa of Thaddhammapala Pariyatti Sarthintaik in Eindu Village.

In the evening, Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe met Women's Affairs Committee of the village at the Dhammayon there.

Also present were members of District and Township Peace and Development Councils, USDA, WVO, Village WCWA, MCWA, Red Cross and Auxiliary Fire Brigades, nurses, townselders and local people numbering 300. Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe explained the purpose of the field trip. Members of MNCWA and Village WCWA, townselders and local people held discussions in friendly atmosphere.

Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe greeted local people and viewed documentary photos at the Dhammayon. Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and party went to Thamanya Hill and presented offertories to Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Bhaddanta Vinaya. Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and party went to Wekayin affiliated basic education high school in Thayagon Village and met headmaster and students.

Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and party spent the night at the guest house of No 22 LID in Hpa-an.

( 6 ) Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung sends message of felicitations to Tajikistan

Yangon, 9 Sept - U Win Aung, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to His Excellency Mr Taloak Nazarov, Foreign Minister of the Republic of Tajikistan, on the occasion of the Independence Day of the Republic of Tajikistan which falls on 9 September 2002.

Health Minister leaves for Indonesia

Yangon, 8 Sept - Myanmar delegation led by Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein left here by air this afternoon to attend the 20th Ministerial Meeting of the health ministers of the member countries of WHO in South East Asian region and 55th regional committee meeting to be held in Jakarta from 9 to 13 September.

Myanmar delegation was seen off at Yangon International Airport by Minister for Education U Than Aung, Minister at the Prime Minister's Office Maj-Gen Tin Ngwe, Deputy Ministers for Health Prof Dr Mya Oo and Prof Dr Kyaw Myint, directors-general and officials under the ministry, Indonesian Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Nasaruddin Koro, Resident representative of WHO Dr Agostino Borra and relatives.

Director of the Foreign Relations Department of the Ministry of Health Dr Pe Thet Tun accompanied the minister. Other members of Myanmar delegation including Director-General Dr Kyi Soe of the Health Planning Department, Deputy Directors Dr Phone Myint and Dr Tin Min had left for Jakarta to attend the preliminary meeting since 4 September.

Minister Maj-Gen Sein Htwa tours Lashio

Yangon, 8 Sept - Minister for Immigration and Population Maj-Gen Sein Htwa met with the staff of the Immigration and Registration Department, Fire Services Department and Social Welfare Department, departmental personnel and members of Shan State (North) Women's Affairs Committee at the meeting hall of Shan State (North) Immigration and Registration Department on 6 September evening. Officials reported on work done. The minister gave necessary instructions.

Cornerstones laid for new school buildings in Kyaukse, Myittha

Yangon, 8 Sept - Minster for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun, accompanied by Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Myint Thein and officials, attended the ceremony to lay cornerstone for construction of new buildings held at Basic Education High School in Kyaukse and BEHS in Myittha on 7 September and laid the cornerstones.

On arrival at No 1 BEHS in Kyaukse, the minister and party were welcomed by Chairman of Kyaukse District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Aung Kyi Shein and officials, the school head and teachers and students. Then, the cornerstone laying ceremony was held. First, the minister made a speech. He said that the new buildings were constructed as there was an increase in the number of students in the school and students from villages in Kyaukse District came and attended to the school. To ensure the national development, the Government is making efforts to construct new buildings for schools and hospitals. To be able to keep abreast with the nations of the world, the State has facilitated the schools with teaching and learning aids. He called on teachers to have full goodwill in teaching and urged the students to try their best in studies to become outstanding students who are capable of discharging the State's duties.

Then, donor of the new building, AWB Bank Vice-Chairman U Aik Tun explained the purpose of the donation. Afterwards, the minister, wellwishers, the deputy minister and Lt-Col Aung Kyi Shein drove stakes at the respective places. Then, rituals of golden and silver shower were performed to mark the success of the ceremony. The similar ceremony was held at BEHS in Myittha with an address by Minister Maj-Gen Saw Tun. Then, wellwisher U Ohn Hlaing of Moe Hein Co Ltd explained the purpose of the donation.

Next. the minister, the deputy minister, the wellwisher and Lt-Col Aung Kyi Shein drove the stakes at the respective places. Then, rituals of golden and silver shower were performed to mark the success of the ceremony, which brought the ceremony to an end.