By Emelia B. Addae
Somanya (E/R), Sept. 13, GNA – The Ghana Library Authority (GhLA) has marked this year’s International Literacy Day at Somanya, in the Yilo Krobo Municipality of the Eastern Region, with a remarkable turnout of over 400 students.
The annual event which aimed to promote literacy and reading culture among children was supported by Book Aid International and brought together various stakeholders including regional directors of the Ghana Library Authority.
They joined students and participating schools to commemorate the occasion under the theme: “Promoting multilingual education: Literacy for mutual understanding and peace.”
The participating schools included St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Basic School, Somanya Methodist School, Korboe Okunka M/A School, Yilo State School, Sra Presbyterian School, Bethel Preparatory School, and Yilo Krobo Senior High School.
Addressing the participants, Mr. Evans Korletey-Tene, the Eastern Regional Director of GhLA stated that embracing multiple languages in education did not only enhance linguistic diversity but also promoted cultural understanding and tolerance.
“In a world where linguistic and cultural diversity are increasingly recognized as valuable assets, multilingual education is no longer a luxury, but a necessity,” he said.
Adding, “It is a powerful tool for building bridges between communities, promoting cultural understanding and breaking down barriers that hinder effective communication across cultural boundaries.”
He urged parents to read with their children in their native language and take them to the library to improve their academic performance in all subjects, preparing them to become literate adults.
Madam Rejoice Nyamador, the Head of Monitoring and Supervision at the Yilo Krobo Municipal Education Office, praised the students for their enthusiasm in the reading contest, storytelling sessions, musical books, and pick-and-act activities.
She emphasized that without reading, “we cannot make meaningful progress.”
Mr. Eric Tetteh, the Yilo Krobo Municipal Chief Executive, stressed the importance of government interventions such as the capitation grant, non-payment of Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) registration fee, Free Senior High School Policy, and access to the Student Loan Trust Fund with the Ghana card, and without any guarantors.
He encouraged the students to read regularly, as it is through reading that they can acquire the knowledge to enjoy the benefits of education.
The participating schools received certificates to boost their morale in studies.
The celebration is a Global Day of Observance that highlights the importance of literacy for all people, communities, and societies.
Literacy is the ability to read, write, speak, and listen in a way that lets us communicate effectively and make sense of the world.
The event offered students a platform to participate in various activities aimed at enhancing their passion for reading and learning. This was part of GhLA’s efforts to promote literacy and education.
The successful organization and celebration of Literacy Day by the authority has been publicly acclaimed as commendable. It serves as a testament to the authority’s commitment to improving the literacy rate in Ghana.
GNA