The Global Shapers Community (GSC) – Kumasi Hub has embarked on a campaign seeking to instill a culture of reading and learning in the next generation of leaders.
The initiative dubbed “Read and Write for Change Project” tied in with activities to mark the International Literacy Day which fell on September 8, 2019.
The Read and Write for Change Project undertaken in partnership with the Ashanti Library also aims at establishing reading clubs across both public and private basic schools in the Ashanti region.
Literacy is recognized as a basic human right and a key component in developing the capabilities of individuals and communities, hence its observation since 1965.
Speaking to Ultimate News after a reading session at the Ashanti Library, Curator of the Kumasi Hub, Deborah Appiah-Kyeremeh Sarpong mentioned: “The intent of the program is to raise a generation of avid readers who will be critical in their thinking and be problem-solvers.”
“As part of the project there will be digital literacy for the children and public speaking training for them us well. The entire project is spearheaded by the Read and Write for Change Committee of the Global Shapers Community-Kumasi Hub”, she added.
Three basic schools have been used to pilot the project and it is expected to cover about 7000 basic school students.
The GSC Kumasi Hub Curator called for support and effective collaboration from key stakeholders including heads of schools, corporate institutions and individuals.
She further extended the Hub’s appreciation to the Ashanti Library, teachers, volunteers and affiliates who contributed immensely to the success of the event.
On her part, Ashanti Regional Director for the Ghana Library Authority (GLA), Mrs. Charlotte Nsiah Tabiri noted: “Per statistics for this year’s WASSCE results, about 74,000 students failed their English papers and we know we have to do more in terms of reading. This year has been declared as a year of reading for the GLA across the country.”
“This is just the beginning because we want the partnership with Global Shapers to go far, as they also have the same goal. There are 52 weeks in a year, so we believe that at least if a child can read a book, a week, then it will be great.”
This year’s theme for International Literacy Day was “Literacy and Multilingualism”.
The Global Shapers event was also to support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal No. 4 of ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
The Global Shapers Community is a network of young people under the World Economic Forum, driving change, dialogue and action to societal challenges.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Patricia Ama Bonsu
