Tema: Mr Ellis Kwao, the Headmaster of Twedaase Primary School, has called on school heads to move beyond the mere stocking of libraries to actively motivate learners to utilise the books to improve literacy.
According to Ghana News Agency, 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. He made this observation during a book donation event by the Zonta Club, Tema, an international service organisation, which also launched its 'Read a Book' campaign at the school.
Mr Kwao emphasised that since the school began operating its library, there had been a surge in interest among students as they frequently request to read during break times. '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 stated.
Mr Kwao revealed that the school, in collaboration with Zonta International (Zonta Tema), had introduced a reward system where deserving students were presented with badges to celebrate their reading milestones. He added that he had specifically requested books that were 'not too voluminous', allowing learners to complete a story within 45 to 60 minutes, thereby building their confidence to pick up subsequent books.
The headmaster noted that teachers were supporting the initiative by ensuring students kept exercise books to record and look up new words encountered during their reading sessions. He commended Zonta Club for the donation and assured that it would be used for its intended purpose.
Highlighting the long-term impact of the initiative, Mrs Benedicta Adwoa Kortey, the current president for Zonta Club, Tema, assured that the 'Read a Book' campaign, in partnership with school authorities, would serve as a talent identification pipeline. She pledged the club's commitment to providing financial support and sponsorships for girls who excelled in the programme to ensure they progressed through junior high school and eventually to the university level.