The Zonta Club of Tema, in partnership with Buck Press, has launched a “Read a Book” campaign at Twedaase Primary School, aiming to cultivate a strong reading culture among pupils, with a special focus on the girl child. The initiative also seeks to address the shortage of library resources in public schools while providing mentorship through monthly reading sessions.
Speaking at the launch, Club President Mrs Benedicta Adwoa Kortey explained that the program aligns with Zonta’s international mission to promote the welfare and rights of women and girls. “We realised they lack a lot of books, and we wanted to encourage the children to read, most especially the girl child,” she said.
The initiative is designed as a sustained engagement, with club members visiting the school once a month to read with pupils. To incentivize consistent participation, pupils who frequent the library or demonstrate exceptional reading skills will receive badges and special awards at the end of each term. The club also plans to support brilliant girl students in progressing to junior high school and tertiary education, based on recommendations from school authorities.
Mrs Alexandra Jaani, a past president of the club, highlighted Zonta’s holistic approach to empowerment, which includes STEM clinics, health screenings, and the promotion of physical activity. She noted that the club had secured a park to ensure children have a dedicated space for exercise and recreation, emphasizing the balance between academic work and physical well-being.
Beyond schools, the Zonta Club engages adult women in marketplaces on resource management, savings, and positive thinking, aiming to improve their socio-economic status and foster community development.
The “Read a Book” campaign reflects a dual focus on literacy and girl-child empowerment, creating pathways for educational achievement while nurturing lifelong skills for both academic and personal growth.
