Inculcate reading habit in children – Dr Vanderpuije

Dr Alfred Oko Vanderpuije, Accra Metropolitan Chief Executive, has appealed to parents and teachers to inculcate the habit of reading in children to enhance quality education.

He drew the attention of parents and teachers to the important role of education in national development and urged them to encourage their wards to patronise the libraries in their communities.

Dr Vanderpuije made the appeal when he inaugurated a three-storey library project for Dr F.V. Nanka Bruce Cluster of Schools at Korle Gonno in the Ablekuma South District of Accra.

He said no nation could develop with a mass of illiterate people, adding; “hence the need for the Accra Metropolitan Assembly to join hands with stakeholders to put up the structure with the best facilities for children to learn.”

Dr Vanderpuije said: “This is an evidence of the commitment of ensuring quality teaching and learning,” and advised the children to avail themselves to the opportunity to upgrade their knowledge.

He urged Mr Kwaku Mensah Adu-Poku, Librarian, to make sure the children used the facility and read for, at least, two-hours a day.

“We will continue to work to ensure that every child becomes productive and comes out successfully,” he said.

Madam Kathy Knowles, a Canadian Philanthropist of the Osu Library Fund Project, who provided 600,000 dollars for the construction of the three-storey library, commended the people of Korle Gonno for accepting the project.

She said: “This is the eight three-storey library facility she had provided in Accra funded through the Osu Library Fund,” and urged the students to adhere to good moral standards and take their studies seriously.

Mrs Angela Tena Mensah, Metro Director of Education, said it was government policy that every community took part in the running of educational facilities.

She commended those who contributed to the library project, especially Madam Knowles, for bringing education to the door-step of the people.

Dr Vanderpuije also inaugurated an 18-classroom block for the Millennium City School Project at the Kotobabi Cluster of Schools in Accra, bringing the number of completed projects to 11.