As part of the celebration of International Literacy Day, EduSpots, a non-profit organisation dedicated to improving literacy and STEM education in underserved communities, has launched a nationwide campaign to gather 10,000 new and gently used books for 10,000 eager learners across its educational hubs.

Since its inception in 2015, EduSpots has been collaborating with more than 300 local volunteers to establish 50 community-driven libraries known as 'Spots.'

These Spots have become catalysts for transformative STEM and literacy opportunities, impacting approximately 15,000 learners annually.

In addition to offering educational resources, these spaces facilitate various clubs and activities. Trained local volunteers lead sessions in early years literacy, creative literacy for Junior High School (JHS) students, STEM and sustainability education, and girls' empowerment programs.

Currently, around 2,000 students are actively enrolled in these initiatives.

To celebrate International Literacy Day on September 8, 2023, EduSpots is appealing for donations of new or gently used storybooks, non-fiction books, and relevant textbooks throughout the month of September.

In many of the communities EduSpots serves, children often lack access to reading materials, relying solely on the chalkboard for their learning.

One student, Dennis from Abofour, expressed his desire for books, stating, "I just want access to books so that I can learn independently from my teacher."

EduSpots is particularly focused on collecting books by African authors, emphasizing their role in reflecting African customs, traditions, and practices. Adam Nabila, a volunteer and Spot Coordinator with EduSpots, noted, "Through reading books by African authors, one can see African customs, traditions, and practices directly expressed in the story which resonates with readers."

Kennedy Apanyin, EduSpots’ Head of Staff and Professional Development, highlighted that the book drive aims not only to enrich communities with knowledge but also to align with their core mission of empowering communities through education.

Individuals looking to support this cause can donate books at designated drop-off points, including Avis Car Hire and Sweet Aroma Prints, as well as at the various Spots listed on the EduSpots website. Monetary contributions can also be made online at www.justgiving.com/page/thebigeduspotsbookdrive2023 or through mobile money at +233593949413.

EduSpots’ Spot volunteers are actively involved in local book collections as part of the organization's leadership curriculum, aiming to sustain the impact of their libraries and educational activities.

In conjunction with International Literacy Day celebrations, EduSpots is hosting an online forum event featuring Ghanaian authors.

The event will explore the role of authors as advocates for literacy and will include discussions with authors Selassie Mensah, Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond, Portia Dery, and Nic Ayikwei.

The live online event is scheduled for September 8 at 7 pm GMT and can be accessed via Eventbrite here.

Since its inception, EduSpots has already distributed over 130,000 books to its Spots and has developed its own in-house storybooks, such as the Kwame's Adventures Series, set in the communities they serve, and phonics books tailored to the local context of learners.