The Kete-Krachi Cluster Manager for World Vision Ghana, Augustine Nyaaba, has stressed that quality education cannot be achieved without strong foundational reading skills among children.
According to him, literacy is not merely an additional component of learning but the foundation that enables children to understand lessons, build confidence in the classroom, and improve their academic performance.
He made the remarks during a Reading Festival held at Ntewusuae in the Krachi West Municipality.
The event, organised for seven schools under the theme “Nurturing Young Readers for Lifelong Learning,” formed part of World Vision Ghana’s efforts to improve literacy and numeracy outcomes in underserved communities.
The festival brought together 14 pupils from schools including Ankansi-Matamalam M/A Primary, Ehiamakyene M/A Primary, Ehiamakyene R/C “A” Ntewusuae Primary, Ehiamakyene R/C “B”, Bombodin Primary, and Pechi-Akura Primary School.
Through a five-round competition, pupils demonstrated their reading ability, comprehension, and confidence—skills organisers believe are critical to improving learning outcomes across all subjects.
Mr Nyaaba said the initiative was aimed at bridging literacy gaps and providing children with a stronger foundation for lifelong success.
He explained that children who read well gain access to knowledge that shapes their aspirations and equips them to become future leaders in their communities.
The Cluster Manager also commended parents who participate in community reading clubs, describing their involvement as essential to sustaining progress.
He emphasised that regular reading practice at home and in communities reinforces classroom learning and helps children develop a lasting reading culture.
The Krachi West Municipal Education Director, Samuel Yao Dovlo, praised World Vision Ghana for its continued support to education in the municipality.
He noted that reading is central to every aspect of learning, adding that children who read confidently are better positioned to excel not only in language-related subjects but also in areas such as mathematics, where understanding instructions and word problems is important.
Mr Dovlo called for stronger institutional and community support to sustain gains made by teachers, stressing that parental involvement remains crucial in encouraging children to practise regularly and stay motivated.
At the end of the competition, Ankansi M/A Primary emerged as the overall winner with 95 points, while Ntewusuae placed second with 89 points.
Outstanding pupils from Ankansi M/A Primary received bicycles, certificates, and reading materials in recognition of their performance.
Blessing Nabe, the best-performing pupil from Ankansi M/A Primary, expressed appreciation to World Vision Ghana for the support and encouragement.
She said the recognition had motivated her to work harder towards achieving her future ambitions, reflecting the broader objective of the initiative—to inspire children to read, learn, and pursue brighter opportunities.
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