Butia (V/R), May 30, GNA – Ms Victoria Ivy Kuwornu, Ho West Deputy District Director of Education, on Friday called for ‘critical attention’ on developing reading skills among pupils in kindergarten and lower primary.
‘If by primary three a child cannot read, it becomes quite difficult if not almost impossible for any outstanding academic laurels,’ she said.
Ms Kuwornu was speaking at a ceremony to honour pupils of Abutia Teti and Agorve, who excelled in a reading competition, to mark this year’s International Children’s Book Day (ICBD).
She said kindergarten and lower primary must be a ‘life-changing’ experience, and challenged teachers teaching at those levels to re-dedicate themselves to their work.
Ms Kuwornu also urged individuals, parents and non-governmental organizations to commit themselves to supporting teaching and learning at those levels to improve standards.
She lamented the continuous decline in academic performance in the region and the challenge in remoulding school drop-outs to become responsible citizens.
Mr Alikem Tamakloe, a Librarian in the region, said poor academic performance in recent times could be traced to poor reading habits among children, and said the competition was to help teachers assess progress of pupils.
He appealed to communities to support the Library Authority to extend library services to their areas, and sponsor reading competitions to improve academic performance.
Togbe Abutia Kodzo the Fifth, Paramount Chief of Abutia in a speech read for him, said the traditional area was ready to support teaching and learning in kindergarten and lower primary, and called for support from all.
Miss Princess Nartey, a Junior High School two student of Abutia-Teti emerged the best student in the reading competition out of 15 candidates.
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