Tema: The Zonta Club of Tema has introduced an incentive package aimed at encouraging reading habits among pupils of Twedaase Primary School.
According to Ghana News Agency, the initiative forms part of the club's newly launched 'Read a Book' campaign organised in collaboration with Buck Press to cultivate a consistent reading culture among schoolchildren, especially the girl child. Mrs. Benedictor Adjoa Quartey, President of the Zonta Club of Tema, announced the package during the launch of the campaign at the school.
Mrs. Quartey explained that pupils who frequently used the school library or demonstrated exceptional reading skills would receive badges and special presents at the end of every school term. 'To sustain the reading interest, the club has introduced an incentive package where pupils who frequent the library or demonstrate exceptional reading skills would be awarded badges and special presents,' she stated. The initiative is inspired by the club's observation that many public schools lacked adequate books and library resources, particularly affecting the reading habits of children.
According to her, the reading campaign would not be a one-time activity because members of the club intend to visit the school every month to read and interact with the pupils. Also, the programme aligns with Zonta International's mission of promoting the rights, welfare, and empowerment of women and girls through education and mentorship.
Mrs. Alexandra Jaani, a past president of the club, said the organisation adopted a holistic approach to child development through activities such as STEM clinics, health screening exercises, and mentorship programmes. She stressed the importance of balancing academics with recreation and physical exercise to support the overall growth of children. 'They have to play, they have to exercise, they have to be focused, and it all comes through a park,' Mrs. Jaani said.
She noted that the club had secured a recreational park to provide children with a safe space for exercise and leisure activities. Mr. Ellis Kwao, the Headmaster of Twedaase Primary School, called on school heads to move beyond the mere stocking of libraries to actively motivate learners to utilise the books to improve literacy. Mr. Kwao noted that while many schools across the country possessed well-stocked libraries, they often remained empty because students lacked the necessary encouragement to visit them.
'I will encourage my fellow headmasters that once the learner is able to read, they need somebody to motivate them to get to that point,' he said. Beyond school outreach programmes, the Zonta Club of Tema also engages women in marketplaces through education on savings, resource management, and positive thinking to improve their socio-economic well-being.