By Isaac Arkoh
Cape Coast, July 02, GNA- The Central Region Centre for National Culture (CNC), had launched a three-year literacy programme aimed at cultivating a sustainable reading habit among pupils across the region.
Dubbed “The Read Culture Initiative”, the intervention targets Junior High School (JHS) students particularly those in underserved communities.
The initiative involves periodic reading sessions, guided discussions and literacy assessments to strengthen reading, comprehension and critical thinking skills as learners prepare for the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).
Starting the programme at Kwaprow M/A Junior High School (JHS) in the Cape Coast Metropolis, the Centre donated quantities of the NaCCA-approved JHS supplementary reader, “The Beacon of Light”, authored by Joshlyn Yayra Duabo, Adam Ankrah, Bryte Okrah and Lukas Zanyoh.
Pupils were grouped into three cohorts and taken through interactive reading exercises that were both educational and enjoyable, with many pupils happily engaged and reluctant to stop.
Mr Ebenezer Nti, Central Regional Director of CNC, speaking at the programme, said the slogan for the initiative, “Read Today, Learn Tomorrow”, captured the Centre’s belief that reading was the bedrock of leadership and personal development.
“We hope that sustained engagement with reading will not only improve students’ academic performance but also equip them with lifelong skills for leadership and civic participation,” he said.
Mr Nti explained that regular, structured reading-built vocabulary, sharpened pupils’ comprehension and strengthened critical thinking essential for success in examinations and for future socio-economic opportunities.
He said The Read Culture Initiative would run across selected schools in the Central Region over three years, with periodic monitoring and assessments planned to measure improvements in reading ability and overall learner outcomes.
He urged stakeholders, including teachers, parents and community leaders, to support the initiative to ensure its long-term impact.
Miss Adelaide Aretha Whyte, Headteacher of the school expressed gratitude for the donation and welcomed the programme’s hands-on approach.
She said the books and the reading sessions would supplement classroom teaching and help bridge learning gaps.
“We are grateful to CNC for these materials and for prioritising our pupils. Reading is the gateway to knowledge, it improves language skills, boosts confidence and prepares learners for higher education and the world of work,” she said.
Miss Whyte also urged parents to back their children’s education by purchasing learning materials, encouraging daily reading at home and participating in school activities that promote literacy.
Comfort Tawiah, the school prefect, thanked CNC for the honour and pledged that pupils would take the programme seriously.
“We appreciate the books and promise to continue to make reading a habit so we can perform better in school and build brighter futures,” she added.
GNA
Edited by Alice Tettey /George-Ramsey Benamba
Reporter: Isaac Arkoh