Improving lives through literacy

Books, they say are your best friend. To make children love books and have books as their best friend in a digital world dominated by phones, tablets, television is an arduous task. Through reading, people become more informed, they broaden their knowledge scope, and become current with fresh perspectives and views points; for some they ease tension and become less stressed. Unconsciously and subconsciously, what many do not realise is that when they read, it contributes immensely to improving verbal and written communication skills. For example, by reading you pick up new vocabulary, you improve your diction, which translates into elevated confidence for an individual.

To support and promote reading in our children while improving literacy, September is earmarked in the Rotary Calendar as Basic Education and Literacy month. One of its objectives is to support activities and training to improve education and literacy for children and adults.

Contributing to this overarching goal, the Rotary Club of Accra – Ring Road Central, in partnership with the Rotary Club Staines - UK, Rotaract Club of Accra -Ring Road Central and Rotary Club of Akuapim-Ridge donated a total of 1000 books to four institutions. These were shared among Accra Girls Senior High School, La Bawaleshie Presby Primary School, East Legon; and the Oncology Department of the Korle-bu Teaching Hospital, and the Berekuso Cluster of Schools.

Speaking on the topic “Skills for the Future” at the Accra Girl Senior High, Business Coach and Rotarian, Stephen Essien asked the audience how they make sure they stand out and be part of the best, knowing that, over 100,000 students graduate every year and only a few make it to the corporate world. A few of the skills they shared were being assertive, analytical, research oriented, results-driven and prayerful.

The headmistress of the school expressed delight and her appreciation to the Club for the donation and expressed her desire to collaborate with Rotary to enrich learning in the school.

Leading the delegation to the Oncology Department, Director of Service Projects, Rotarian Alamisi Janet Dabire was met by Lifeline Childhood cancer Ghana, a foundation that raises money for the treatment and care of Children affected by cancer in Ghana.

Ending the Basic Education and Literacy month road trip at the Berekuso Cluster of schools, the President of the Rotary Club of Accra – Ring Road Central, Rotarian President Kobla Nyaletey recounted the evolving relationship between the club and the Berekuso community where the club is building a GHS1.4mil community clinic and was happy that, together with partners the club can help stock the library of the Berekuso cluster of school. He promised a long-lasting relationship with the school and expressed hope that through the seed planted, reading will become in vogue again.

The Rotary Club of Accra–Ring Road Central, the third Rotary Club chartered in Accra, was established on April 24, 1986. It has since its inception earned the accolade of “the most dynamic Rotary Club in Ghana” following a display of its special brand of commitment and tenacity which more than brings to life the Rotary Club motto of “Service above Self” and year theme of “Imagine Rotary.”

The Club has grown to be the largest in the Rotary District 9102 made up of Ghana, Togo, Benin & Niger, with ninety-two members. It has also undertaken numerous charity projects across Ghana which span several sectors including healthcare, education, literacy, water, and sanitation among others thereby delivering hope and relief to millions of people.

Some of the notable projects undertaken by the Rotary Club of Accra–Ring Road Central include a six-classroom building for Asempaneye Community in the Easter Region, Water and Sanitation projects in Osu Vocational School, Bawjiase Orphanage, Saboba Agricultural Station, Larteh Methodist JSS, Supreso, Tinkong Health centre and some villages in the Central Region. And is currently constructing a modern community clinic in Berekuso at the cost of 1.4 million Ghana cedis. This project when completed will comprise of an emergency ward, female ward, male ward and a consulting room.

The Club has also been involved in building a community library in Anyaa Aworshie for the Lila Childcare Foundation and the entire Anyaa Aworshie community.