Sung Bie’la Foundation Ghana, in partnership with Adwinsa Publications, have launched the “Catch Them Young Reading Clubs” initiative in the Garu District in a bid to promote literacy and close the reading gap among young children.

The launch, held on World Literacy Day, highlighted the importance of reading in shaping the future of young minds.

The program, themed “Read, Think, Empower, and Achieve,” aims to inspire a love for reading among children, particularly in marginalised communities.

By offering a platform for young learners to build reading skills, the initiative seeks to empower them with knowledge and confidence to succeed in life.

“When we teach our children to write, we teach a nation to think,” said Hajia Zenabu Awinbe Salifu, Founder of Sung Bie’la Foundation, Ghana.

According to her, “a writing child becomes a reading adult. A reading adult becomes a responsible citizen.” Her words underscored the long-term impact of literacy on individuals and society.

Educationists at the event stressed that teaching children to read is putting them on a path to acquire lifelong learning skills, gain useful information, and overcome challenges.

Literacy, they said, empowers children to communicate, participate, and thrive in today’s interconnected world.

Garu District Education Director, Philip Frederick Alale, praised the successful establishment of reading clubs in primary schools.

He explained that the foundation had provided reading materials to help children learn to read and write.

“Literacy is a powerful tool that opens doors to opportunities,” he said, adding that the clubs will help pupils become strong readers and responsible citizens.

At Suma Duuri Primary School, Headmistress Ndego Akuka Patricia expressed gratitude for the foundation’s support.

She said many of their pupils struggle with reading, which affects learning, but believes the initiative will help them develop a love for reading — a crucial foundation for education.

District Chief Executive (DCE) for Garu, John Abare, commended the foundation for introducing the reading clubs in the schools.

He noted that children’s interest in reading has declined due to distractions and peer influence, but expressed optimism that the clubs will reignite their passion for books and benefit them in the long run.

Sung Bie’la Foundation Ghana reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing a culture of reading and providing a supportive environment to make a lasting impact on the lives of children in Garu and beyond.