The Eastern Regional Library in 2021 set out a regional target to reach out to more
than 50,000 pupils in five years in the bid to improve reading capabilities as a
measure to help eradicate learning poverty in the region.
During that year, the region launched a library scholarship initiative dubbed “Yenko.”
Library” which translates “Let’s go to the Library,” a special purpose vehicle to draw
more pupils to the library and benefit from its innovative services.
The initiative was geared towards improving literacy and reading habits of children who were both library and non-library users to complement teaching and learning.
Since the launch of the initiative, a total of 55,453 library and non-library users were
reached by the end of 2024 through the provision of reading materials, training for
teachers and establishment of classroom libraries in various districts across the
region.
In a brief interview with the Eastern Regional Librarian, Mr. Evans Korletey-Tene,
he mentioned that despite the success chalked by the region in reaching out to
thousands of pupils to improve literacy, there was still more work to be done.
He mentioned that library patronage and membership drives have seen upward adjustments through carefully crafted initiatives to ensure parents have gained interest in reading to their children.
He further encouraged parents to take advantage of the numerous reading platforms online for their wards to improve upon their reading skills and habits. He said, “Reading is fun and more fun when done together with your wards.”
He reiterated that children in communities where there were libraries could go and
read and borrow some books whilst those without libraries could rely on the Ghana
Library app or call on the Mobile Library Service.
He further thanked some MMDAs, philanthropists, banks, and individuals who had supported the initiative since 2021.
He further requested continuous support since thousands of pupils under the age of 10 are still unable to read or understand what they read.