Worldreader has announced the upcoming launch of its improved digital reading App, ‘BookSmart’, in September this year.

The App aims to promote a culture of reading among school children by offering a collection of 3,000 books in five major languages, including English, Twi, Ewe, Fanti, Akuapem Twi, and Asante Twi.

This is targeted to encourage children between the ages of 3 and 12 to read a minimum of 25 books within a year.

This reading App, equipped with new features, focuses on enhancing reading comprehension, social-emotional learning, and digital literacy among school children across the country.

The BookSmart App is designed to enable children to access books digitally on data-connected devices, both online and offline, regardless of their geographical locations.

It provides a user-friendly platform for children to explore and enjoy reading, with parental support.

Leslie Tettey, the West Africa Director of Programme and Partnerships for Worldreader, emphasised the accessibility and cost-free nature of the BookSmart App during a media briefing in Accra on May 17.

“BookSmart is on the Google Play Store, and it’s easy to download. You can download as many books as you want,” Mr Tettey noted.

He assured the public that the book selection is carefully curated to reflect Ghanaian culture and addressed concerns regarding the inclusion of LGBT+ elements.

“The books have been curated to reflect our context and culture. There are books that are Ghanaian and African that resonate with our system, culture and our setting.

"We are very much interested in creating foundational skills and comprehension skills. We are aware of our cultural setting, so the books do not have elements of LGBT+.

"The new version has features with tips for parents on activities that will help a child’s reading journey,” the West Africa Director of Programme and Partnerships for Worldreader assured.