The Bible Society of Ghana with support from the Swedish Bible Society has observed the 2022 International Literacy Celebrations in the Uppper East Regional Capital, Bolgatanga, with a call on key stakeholders to promote the mother tongue in schools and communities.
The Program officer of the Bible Society of Ghana, Mr. William Owusu Ansere, addressed the gathering at the Koku Awunor In-service Training Centre on behalf of the National Coordinator.
Mr. Williams said the BSG has been at the forefront of literacy promotion in the area of literacy training for many people.
“For many years, the Bible Society of Ghana has been at the forefront of literacy promotion ,in the area of Literacy training for people in the following languages-Dagaare,Dangme, Esahie,Gurene, Bono and Ga languages. “
Mr. William said ,for Ghana to face the challenge of low literacy head on, where about 771 million youth and adults around the world are not able to read and write; and which has been compounded by the closure of schools due to Covid19, stakeholders including the Ghana Education Service will have to join and participate in promoting the literacy programs which are being implemented.
” 771 million youth and adults around the world still do not possess basic literacy skills- 60% of who are girls and women. We urge all our stakeholders to join and participate in promoting the literacy programmes which are on-going and look out for the one about to be rolled out in your community “
Mr. William also disclosed that as part of their efforts to improve literacy in the Gurene dialect of the Farefare people, it has successfully translated the New Testament bible into Gurene and currently working on the translation of the Old Testament books.
” The Bible Society of Ghana has completed the translation of the New Testament into Gurene and currently working on the translation of the Old Testament books.”
The regional director of the Non-Formal Education Division, Mr. Arimiyaw Adivila, in a speech called on stakeholders to make use of technology to afford learners the opportunity to access and use electronic devices to communicate and transact businesses properly.
“We live in the 21st century world that is much centered on technology and therefore requires a system of education which brings to light the need for a media platform where our learners should be able to access and use electronic devices to communicate and transact businesses properly in this globally and competitive world of our time.”
This year’s celebration was on the theme, Transforming Literacy Learning Spaces”
By: Simon Agana Blessing/mywordfmonline.com