The Atongi Family and Friends Basic Needs Foundation is helping children in Pusiga improve their learning through reading and spelling programmes. The foundation is working to build strong literacy skills and give young learners the chance to grow through education.

One of their recent programmes was the Tomorrow’s Icons Award: Reading and Spelling Bee Competition. It brought together 23 pupils from five schools in the district. The goal was to help children read and spell better, do well in school, and speak in front of others with confidence.

The event had many children take turns reading and spelling on stage. Some were nervous at first but later felt more confident.

"I was so nervous at first, but when I stood on the stage, I felt like I could do it, " said one learner, Francisca.

Parents, teachers, and others in the community came to watch and support the children. They were proud to see the children doing well.

At the end of the competition, the Atongi Foundation selected six of the best-performing students based on their reading and spelling skills. These learners —Amosah Francisca, Mohammed Naeema Simara, Madi Hairaat, Sumaila Sawkiya, Awudu Zulaiya, and Issifu Musherifa—are between Stage 5 and Stage 7 and come from different schools across the Pusiga district, including Shelters International School, Pusiga Girls Model Primary School, Pusiga Practice No. 1 and.Alabara Memorial Institute.

These outstanding pupils were given the chance to travel to Accra, the capital of Ghana, to take part in the Diamond in Pages Reading Challenge—a national event that includes reading activities, workshops, and team learning sessions. It was a new and exciting experience for the children.

"This was my first time in Accra, and I learned so much," said one of the pupils. "I am going to work harder and come back next year," Sumaila Sawkiya.

Even though they did not win the top award, they returned home with new skills, stronger confidence, and great motivation to improve.

"The Atongi Foundation has been a blessing to us," said one parent. "We are grateful for the opportunities they have given our children."

Getrude Atongi, leader of the Atongi Foundation, says the foundation’s mission is to support children through education.

"Education is the key to unlocking the potential of our children," she said. "When children learn, they can dream and build a better life."

She added that the foundation will continue to support more children in the future.

"We believe every child has talent," she said. "Our job is to give them the chance to show it."

Through programmes like this, the Atongi Foundation is helping children in Pusiga build better futures — one book, one word, and one opportunity at a time.