Educators’ Network holds Ghana Literacy Summit

The Educators' Network (TEN) has organized the Ghana Literacy Summit aimed at strengthening students’ literacy skills, and to explore how literacy is interwoven into social development.

The workshop is also aimed at providing literacy professional development for Ghanaian teachers, and discussing global needs and strategies for educational success in our communities worldwide.

The workshop, which is on the theme: ‘Empowering Children through Words,’ covered a range of literacy and community building topics and demonstration lessons.

Ms Nikki Giovanni, a renowned poet, activist and educator, who was the guest speaker, said reading and writing helps liberate and transform the mind.

She said through reading and writing, one could help change the world and encouraged the participants to ensure that the children read.

Dr Leslie Casely-Hayford, a development consultant, said the Ghanaian child did not lack enthusiasm to learn how to read and write, but said the lack of teacher commitment was to be blamed for the poor reading and writing habits.

She said the attitude of teachers was important in helping towards change and improvement in the literacy context, adding that, teachers must be made to assist children and called on all stakeholders to ensure the transformation of the teacher.

Dr Dennis Larkin of Lincoln Community School said educating children was important and encouraged all to ensure that children take interest in reading.

The Literacy Empowerment and Action Project (L.E.A.P.) for Ghana collaborated with TEN for the summit.

TEN was founded by a group of Ghanaian international educators led by Letitia Naami Oddoye, who are passionate about teaching and have had the benefit of exposure to diverse educational curricula and standards.