Concerns over declining reading habits among pupils in the Nabdam District came into sharp focus during the 2026 Spell World Extravaganza competition, where education authorities lamented the poor performance of many contestants despite participation from all 21 Junior High Schools in the district.
The literacy competition, organised by youth-led organisation, The Napiness Network, in partnership with Naab Sierig Sore Sobil IV, Chief of Pelungu, and the Nabdam Education Directorate, brought together 42 contestants, with each school represented by two pupils.
However, education officials said the competition exposed serious literacy challenges among many pupils, raising fresh concerns about reading culture in schools.
Mr Francis Sapaat, Head of Supervision at the Nabdam Education Directorate, said the inability of many contestants to advance in the competition highlighted deeper weaknesses in literacy education.
“You can imagine 21 junior high schools, yet only a few could progress to the final stages. It tells us something is wrong somewhere, and we must return to the basics—teaching pupils to read, identify difficult words, spell them and use them in sentences,” he stated.
He called on teachers, parents and education stakeholders to take urgent steps to improve reading habits among children, stressing that literacy remains the foundation for academic success.
Despite the concerns, organisers said the event continues to serve as an important platform for promoting reading, confidence and academic excellence among young people.
Ms Sandra Mbamah Sore, Founder and Executive Director of The Napiness Network, said the initiative was introduced in 2023 to address challenges facing young people, including low self-confidence and limited access to opportunities.
She explained that the programme started with only nine schools but has now expanded to include all Junior High Schools in the district.
“Spell World is not just a competition; it is a platform that makes learning exciting and visible while building the confidence of our young people,” she said.
Ms Sore revealed plans to expand the competition beyond Nabdam District to other districts and eventually establish a regional championship, calling for support from donors and philanthropists.
Speaking at the event, Reverend Rosemond Anaba, Co-Founder of Eastwood Anaba Ministries, encouraged pupils to remain focused on education and not allow their backgrounds to limit their ambitions.
Naab Salima Yidaan-Tobig II, Chief of Logre community, also urged pupils to stay away from illegal mining and other social vices and instead prioritise education.
In a speech delivered on his behalf, Upper East Regional Minister Mr Donatus Akamugri Atanga described the competition as an important investment in youth development, noting that strong communication skills remain critical to national growth.
At the end of the competition, Master Sylvester Anaba of Logre Junior High School emerged winner of the 2026 Spell World Extravaganza.
