Literacy in short, is the ability to read, write, speak and listen in a way that lets us communicate effectively and make sense of the world.
As a matter of fact, literacy is so important because lacking vital literacy skills holds a person back at every stage of their life.
Looking at it from the viewpoint of a child, one won’t be able to succeed at school, as a young adult you will be locked out of the job market, and [ads1]as a parent, you won’t be able to support your own child’s learning.
It is evident that people with low literacy skills may not be able to read a book, magazine or newspaper, understand road signs or price labels, make sense of a bus or train timetable, fill out a form, read instructions on medicines, make a note during church services or use the internet.
Low levels of literacy undermine Ghana’s economic competitiveness.
September 8 was declared International Literacy Day by UNESCO on October 26, 1966 at the 14th session of UNESCO’s General Conference. It was celebrated for the first time in 1967 which recognizes literacy as a human right and the cornerstone for development.
Globally, 250 million children including many of the most vulnerable are not learning basic literacy and numeracy skills even though half have attended school for at least four years.
The day is always an opportunity for Governments, civil society and stakeholders to highlight improvements in world literacy rates and reflect on the world’s remaining literacy challenges.
Read Ghana Foundation as a literacy NGO that is committed to sweeping away the saying that, “if you want to hide something from an African then put it in a book” we have seen it a sacred duty and a great need to celebrate the upcoming International Literacy Day in a grand style with a lot of participants from the various constituencies in the Volta Region,comprising primary and junior high school pupils,SHS Students, Tertiary Students, Youth, Teachers,Nurses,Pastors, Parents etc.
The program would be held at Global Evangelical Church, Ho-Kabhill near Volta Serene Hotel on the Theme ” Literacy and Skills Development ” at 10:00AM
The speakers will be Dr Stephen Torkpo of University Of Ghana, Legon. Mr Ernest Agbesi former Managing Director of GCB, Mrs Marian J.A. Adzroe-CEO Erijem Institute,Mr Mathias Tulasi-CEO RGF and Prof John Gatsi as the guest of honor for this year’s occasion.
We have also written to invite the regional minister Hon Dr Archibald Letsa, Hon Benjamin Kpodo Member of Parliament for Ho Central Constituency, Hon Nelson Akorli MCE-Ho Municipal Assembly, Hon Assembly members and heads of corporate institutions within Ho.
We are grateful to Indomie Gh for accepting to come and feed the participants, to our media partners over the period Global FM, V1 TV, Metro TV, Kekeli Radio, Dela Radio, Radio Jubilee and Tosh FM, we say ayekooo for your gargantuan support as far as publicity is concerned.
Our special appreciation goes to the church session of Global Evangelical Church, Ho-Kabhill especially the head pastor for allowing us to use their chapel for the program.
Together, we will shape and change the future of education in Ghana.
It is our hope that, next year thus 2019 it will be held at Greater Accra and that of Eastern Region in 2020 which would be followed by the remaining 7 regions respectively.
A reading nation is a winning nation. Come One! Come All! There will be free donation of storybooks to all the participants at the program.
For further enquiries concerning the program, kindly contact 0200255295 or 0541372874
Signed
Mathias Tulasi
CEO/FOUNDER
RGF