The First Lady, Mrs. Rebecca Akufo-Addo through her NGO, the Rebecca Foundation, has launched an initiative which is very dear to her heart called ‘Learning to Read, Reading to Learn’. This is a weekly engaging, interactive reading television programme, with school children and an adult reader. Each week, children will learn words and lessons from the stories read. The programme is also aimed at exposing children to Ghanaian writers and give these hardworking writers the exposure they deserve.
Mrs. Akufo-Addo said, she is not happy about the fact that many of our children cannot read well despite the incredible benefits from reading hence the initiative.
Research shows that many primary school children across sub-Saharan Africa are unable to read well.
“In Ghana, many of our primary school children are unable to read English or any Ghanaian language. This is simply unacceptable. It’s consequences for our development is simply unimaginable”.
The First Lady, encouraged parents, educators, government, Non-Governmental Organizations, School administrators and owners to support the agenda to improve literacy in our children.
She also challenged the children to make reading a habit to help them develop their reading skills. “This is for you children; read a book each day. Learn new words, learn new things. Start writing your own little stories. It can be about everyday life, an adventure or some issue that you feel passionate about. One thing I know is that we are all in this world to learn”.
In line with the Rebecca Foundation’s literacy initiative and to foster inclusiveness, The Rebecca Foundation with the support of the Church of Latter Day Saints and other donors upgraded and fully equipped the current Braille Press Center at Adabraka.
To further support literacy, The Rebecca Foundation is building libraries in school clusters across the country. “We have already started the first one at Bia West District in the Western Region. We will start a second one soon”.
She thanked all partners, GTV, Ghana Library Authority, Royal Commonwealth Society, Ministry of Education, Ghana Education Service, Ghana Association of Publishers, the Ghanaian writers who donated their books and the Ghana Book Development Corporation.
See photos of launch below
