By Samuel Ofori Boateng, GNA
Kwabenaso (Ash), Aug. 03, GNA – School children in communities within the Amansie West and South Districts in the Ashanti Region are set to benefit from a literacy improvement project aimed at enhancing their reading and literacy skills.
The initiative, being sponsored by the Asanko Gold Ghana Limited, includes the provision of Ghana Education Service (GES)-approved reading books, the promotion of engaging literacy activities, and the strengthening of teachers’ capacity to nurture confident readers.
A key component of the programme is a partnership between Asanko Gold Ghana Limited and the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Foundation, under which mobile and virtual libraries will be deployed to participating schools to provide pupils with regular access to a wider collection of books and digital learning resources.
Mr Justice Fenteng, the General Manager of Asanko Gold, speaking at the official launch of the project at Kwabenaso in the Amansie West district, said the initiative was designed to create sustained access to reading materials, which was essential for developing a lifelong culture of reading among children.
He explained that the project formed part of Asanko Gold Ghana’s broader Social and Economic Development Plan, through which the company continued to partner with its host communities to improve education, healthcare, livelihoods and overall community well-being.
“We believe that lasting progress is built by investing in people, and few investments have a greater and more enduring impact than helping a child develop a lifelong love for learning,” he said.
Mr. Fenteng further noted that, the company would work closely with the Ghana Education Service, traditional authorities, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), and host communities to ensure the initiative delivered lasting value for generations to come.
The launch was marked by the presentation of GES-approved reading books, furniture and other teaching and learning materials to beneficiary schools.
Mr Simon Ampomaa Antwi, Amansie South District Director of Education described the Literacy Improvement Project as timely and appropriate, noting that, it would enhance teachers’ capacity to improve literacy outcomes among pupils.
He explained that, in addition to providing learning materials, the programme would equip teachers with the skills needed to effectively engage pupils through literacy-focused activities.
He said: “It is going to encourage our children in reading activities.
“It is going to help us a lot through storytelling sessions, spelling bees, book reviews and other literacy activities.
“We see this as a very appropriate programme, and we are ready to adopt it.
“We will collaborate with Asanko Gold to help education move from great to greater.”
Nana Tabi Gyansah, the Chief of Kwabenaso, commended the Asanko Gold for the initiative, describing it as a significant investment in the future of children within the company’s host communities.
He expressed concern about the declining literacy standards among school children in the area but said he was optimistic that the intervention would help reverse the trend.
He also called on all stakeholders to support efforts aimed at improving education in the district.
GNA
Edited by Kwabia Owusu-Mensah/Benjamin Mensah