Story by Richard Kofi Boahen
The Readspell Literacy Foundation has extended its literacy intervention programme to the Ashanti Region, beginning with the Sekyere Kumawu District, where it successfully organised a four-day workshop to equip teachers with effective reading instruction techniques through the Readspell Phonics programme.
The workshop, which was funded by the Readspell Literacy Foundation in partnership with the Sekyere Kumawu District Directorate of the Ghana Education Service (GES), brought together all kindergarten, primary and Junior High School teachers across the district.
Founded in Sunyani by educationist Miss Salomey Kwabea Agyei, the Readspell Literacy Foundation is a community-focused non-profit organisation dedicated to improving reading, writing and spelling skills among children.
The Foundation has gained recognition for empowering learners and equipping teachers with practical phonics-based tools to address literacy challenges, particularly in rural communities within the Bono Region.
Following the successful implementation of its programmes in several districts across the Bono Region, the Foundation has now expanded its operations into the Ashanti Region.
Readspell Clubs
Speaking in an interview after the workshop, Miss Agyei said the initiative forms part of the Foundation’s broader commitment to improving literacy outcomes among children and disclosed that Readspell Clubs would soon be established in schools throughout the Sekyere Kumawu District to promote reading and cultivate a sustainable reading culture among learners.
According to her, a total of 826 teachers participated in the training programme, which was conducted over four days, with participants divided into four groups.
“The workshop covered all basic schools in the district. Through the Readspell Phonics programme, teachers were equipped with practical approaches to teaching reading, writing and spelling effectively. They will also support us in establishing reading clubs in schools across the district to benefit learners from Kindergarten to Junior High School,” she explained.
Miss Agyei noted that the Sekyere Kumawu District is the Foundation’s first point of entry into the Ashanti Region, adding that several other districts and municipalities have expressed interest in the programme.
“In the Ashanti Region, this is our first district, but we have others waiting for their turn, including Ejisu Municipal, Obuasi East Municipal, Adansi North District and Adansi West Municipal,” she said.
Collaboration
She further indicated that the Foundation would work closely with the District Director of Education, education officers and teachers to establish and monitor Readspell Clubs in schools. Activities under the clubs will include spelling bees, reading competitions and creative writing contests aimed at strengthening literacy skills among pupils.
Miss Agyei also revealed the Foundation’s long-term vision of establishing community libraries in various communities to make reading materials readily accessible to children.
“We wish to have community libraries in all communities to make reading accessible to children wherever they are,” she stated.
Over the years, the Readspell Literacy Foundation has undertaken several initiatives to promote literacy development. These include establishing reading clubs in public and private basic schools, organising regular teacher training workshops on the Readspell Phonics programme, and providing instructional materials to enhance literacy teaching.
The Foundation has also benefited from book donations and partnerships with organisations such as Freefavour Hope Mission, which have helped expand its reach and impact across beneficiary communities.
