The Bolgatanga Municipal Education Directorate is hopeful that the continuous organization of the reading festival will help learners develop a love for books.
Knowing that reading is key to knowledge acquisition, the directorate with support from USAID through the USAID/Ghana Strengthening Accountability in Ghana’s Education System (SAGES) systems strengthening activity, held the Municipal level primary schools reading competition under the theme; “reading, a pathway to the world”
In 2019, a World Bank report revealed that 87% of children in Sub-Saharan Africa cannot read and understand a simple story at 10. It is therefore the hope of various stakeholders that this can be improved significantly since it has a bearing on their ability to contribute meaningfully to the development of the country and the continent in the future.
On this score, the Ghana Education Service and its partners are taking steps to improve reading in schools with the reading festival being one of the key activities.
At the reading festival, learners from Basic 1 to 3 otherwise known as primary 1 to 3 are made to read stories and answer questions to gauge their level of comprehension of basic text.
Addressing learners, teachers, parents, and other stakeholders before the commencement of the reading competition, Francis Atinga, the Municipal Human Resource Officer, who spoke on behalf of the Municipal Director of Education, noted that the exercise is aimed at helping the learners to develop love for reading.
He added that inadequate infrastructure; and limited access to reading materials amongst other challenges negatively affect the ability of educators to achieve the desired results.
“Reading is the key that unlocks the doors of knowledge, imagination, and creativity. It is the foundation upon which academic success and personal growth are built. As educators, we recognize the importance of instilling the love for reading in our learners, and we are dedicated to providing them with the resources and support they need to develop this vital skill,” he stated.
“However, we must also acknowledge the challenges that affect reading and the delivery of quality education. Limited access to books and learning materials, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of trained teachers are some of the obstacles we face. Additionally, socio-economic factors can impede students’ ability to focus on their studies and fully benefit from educational opportunities. Furthermore, the lack of adequate chairs and tables for our learners hampers their ability to learn comfortably and effectively.” He noted.
The Municipal Chief Executive for Bolgatanga, Rex Asanga noted that the exercise is a major step to improving educational outcomes in the Municipality. He further appealed to parents to provide maximum support to help in the education of children.
Below are the winners of the Bolgatanga Municipal competition.
Basic 1 category winners of the Reading festival
1st Position went to Kimberly Muhami, Anglican primary School-South East Circuit.
2nd Henrita Akavoom, St. Clement primary School- Central A Circuit
3rd position Kabiru Yusif Umaria primary School circuit central B.
Basic 2 category
1st position Anoah Lonette, St George’s Primary School, central A circuit.
2nd position Amaliba Ancylo, St Charles Primary School, central A. circuit
3rd position Anafo Lawrencia, Anglican Primary School, South East circuit.
Basic 3 category
1st position, Ayine Maria North West Circuit, Preparatory Primary School.
2nd position Akalka Beatrice Central A. circuit- Saint Charles Primary
3rd position Mumuni Nasib Central B Circuit Methodist Primary School.
