By: Emmanuel Amoah
In celebration of World Literacy Day 2024, the Rotaract Club of Accra East Legon (RoCAEL) extended a helping hand to over 100 final-year students at La-Bawaleshie Presbyterian Junior High School in Accra by donating books and mathematical instruments. This gesture aimed to equip the students for their upcoming final exams while also emphasizing the importance of education in fostering peace.
The donation aligned with this year’s World Literacy Day theme, “Promoting Multilingual Education: Literacy for Mutual Understanding and Peace.” RoCAEL’s initiative sought to address the resource gaps faced by the students and reinforce the role of literacy in creating a more harmonious society.
Ghana faces significant literacy challenges. According to the 2021 Population and Housing Census Report by the Ghana Statistical Service, 80% of primary school children leave school without mastering basic literacy or numeracy skills. Nationally, nearly one in three individuals aged six and above cannot read or write in any language. These challenges are particularly stark in rural areas, where literacy rates lag far behind urban centers like Greater Accra, which boasts an 88% literacy rate, compared to the Savannah Region’s 33%.
During the event, RoCAEL President Divine Mawuena inspired the students with Rotary’s Four-Way Test, encouraging them to excel academically as a pathway to peace and development.
The Headteacher of La-Bawaleshie Presbyterian JHS, Naa Shormey, expressed deep gratitude for RoCAEL’s continuous support and urged the club to further strengthen its partnership with the school.
Looking ahead, RoCAEL is committed to undertaking more initiatives with the school. The club members, who contributed financially and actively participated in the donation, remain dedicated to enhancing literacy and education as part of their broader vision of fostering a more peaceful and prosperous society.
