The Education Department says the ability to read and write and having basic numeracy skills, are fundamental education requirements for every citizen.
This was the message delivered by the First Assistant Secretary for Standards and Curriculum, Godfrey Yerua at the official launching of the 13th National Literacy Week in Aitape, Sandaun Province early this month.
He was speaking on behalf of the Secretary for Education, Dr. Joseph Pagelio.
The National Literacy Week coincided with the International Literacy Day, which fell on September 8th, and focused on achivements and developments of literacy in PNG and throughout the global community.
The other objective of the Literacy Week was to renew commitments in fighting illiteracy in the world.
This years' theme: 'Be HIV/AIDS literate' also compliments the Department of Education's theme: 'Learning about HIV/AIDS; Our school, Our future, Our responsibility'.
Mr. Yerua said literacy was the way forward if Papua New Guinea was to reduce poverty, control HIV/AIDS, law and order problems and improve living standards.
"Without literacy, words have no meaning. Literacy is not only about reading and writing. It is about learning basic numeracy and life skills to help make a difference in a person's life," he said.
He said life skills help people to develop positive values and attitudes to live peaceful lives in their communities and also encourage young people to make a life in the village instead of drifting towards towns.
Papua New Guinea currently has 854 languages and not all languages are written, and require improvments in the written languages of the nation.
The Education Department is committed to supporting the work of the National Literacy and Awareness Secretariat (NLAS), and to improve linkages with the Department of Community Development and Non-government Organisations to raise literacy and numeracy levels from the present 56 percent to 70 percent.
NLAS has requested increase funding of more than K4 million in its annual budget to help eradicate illiteracy in the country.
The National Literacy Week was observed by many schools and education institutions throughout Aitape, Sandaun Province and Papua New Guinea.