16 schools have kept their hopes alive to clinch the ultimate prize of the 2024 Inter-School Reading Quiz.

These schools booked a place at the knockout stage (Round 16) after making it through the qualification and audition stages.

The qualified institutions, which are made up of 12 private and 4 public schools, have exhibited incredible reading prowess throughout their journey in the competition so far.

The success of these cubs came after a three-week reading challenge where they answered questions based on the various books they read.

At the audition stage, 20 private schools battled in a two-hurdle contest - a quiz in the digital library and spinning the wheel.

12 of the highest-scoring schools qualified for the next stage alongside 4 public schools with automatic qualification.

Sterling Heights Academy took the first spot at the Round 16 stage after putting up a masterful performance at the auditions.

Theorose School and Startrite Schools took second and third places, respectively.

The other schools that have sealed their place at the next stage of the Inter-School Reading Quiz include St. Martin De Porres School in West Hills, Ave Maria School Ltd., and Nagie's Angels Educational Centre in Anyinam-Kumasi.

The remaining schools are Vine Christian School, Alpha Beta Education Centres, Sap's School, Grada Estates Teshie-Nungua, Prospect International School, Golden Angels School, and KENT International School.

The four public schools joining the Round 16 Stage of the competition will be Dansoman Cluster B schools, Independence Avenue Cluster of Schools, Madina Cluster of Schools, and La-Wireless Cluster of Schools.

The Inter-School Reading Quiz is the brainchild of Perbi Cubs in partnership with UNESCO’s Accra World’s Book Capital.

The initiative yearns to promote literacy skills among twenty thousand basic school pupils across the country.

Speaking at the Auditions Stage, competition judge, Adjetey Annan expressed excitement about the prospects of the young readers.

“I think it’s a good energy base for us to propel every school, and the fact that Perbi Cubs opened doors to every school means everybody has the potential to live up to their purposes and exhibit their gifting. For me, Inter-School Reading Quiz is a brilliant step,” he indicated.

The Chief Executive Officer of Perbi Cubs and founder of the Inter-School Reading Quiz promised loads of excitement in the next stage as the contest becomes keener.

“The Round of 16 will be the next level of excitement when it comes to reading. There are 16 schools that have come so far. We’re going to have four competitions with four schools each in the four contests. Each of these schools will be vying for first and second positions because that will take them to the quarterfinals. We’re wishing all the schools the best because it’s going to be quite a competition, and the children study their books very carefully and come fully prepared,” Anyele Perbi said.

Round 16 of the 2024 Inter-School Reading Quiz is slated for March 22, 2024, at the Legon Interdenominational Church, University of Ghana.