Background
Early childhood literacy is essential for cognitive, social, and academic development. Beyond reading and writing, it equips children with critical thinking skills, effective communication, and the ability to navigate challenges. A strong literacy foundation empowers children to advocate for themselves, recognize exploitative situations, and make informed decisions about their well-being.
Despite efforts to increase school enrollment in Ghana, many early grade schools lack the resources to teach foundational reading skills. According to the Ghana Education Service (GES), between 54.5% and 92.5% of pupils score zero in oral reading assessments, and nearly 80% of children in Ghana do not acquire basic literacy and numeracy skills by the end of primary school (UNESCO, 2022). The situation is even more challenging in underserved rural areas, where inadequate resources, poorly trained staff, and limited infrastructure hinder literacy development.
While community libraries and other initiatives attempt to bridge this gap, barriers such as untrained personnel, poor facilities, and foreign-dominated book collections reduce their effectiveness, causing children to lose interest in reading. Low literacy levels also increase children’s vulnerability to abuse and exploitation. Literate children, however, are better equipped to recognize risks, communicate with caregivers or authorities, and access critical information about their rights and safety.
Addressing early childhood literacy, particularly in the Ashanti Region, is crucial not only for education but also for child protection. Sustainable solutions must prioritize culturally relevant books, trained educators, community engagement, and investment in literacy-friendly spaces. Literacy is more than a tool for learning—it is a pathway to empowerment, protection, and a brighter future.
About the Webinar
Drawing on the Magic Libraries Foundation and PDA’s Cocoa Communities’ Library Project (CCLP) and the experience of Tony Dogbe as an early childhood education expert, this webinar will highlight literacy’s protective benefits and discuss strategies for embedding literacy in child protection programming. The session will thus explore the role of literacy in safeguarding children and empowering communities.
Objectives
This webinar aims to:
- Explore the state of early childhood literacy in Ghana, particularly in vulnerable communities.
- Highlight the role of literacy in child empowerment and protection.
- Showcase the impact of the Cocoa Communities’ Library Project (CCLP) on child literacy and protection.
- Discuss strategies for integrating literacy into child protection initiatives.
Discussion Areas
- How does literacy support child development, including emotional resilience and social awareness?
- In what ways does improved literacy empower children to recognize and respond to exploitative situations?
- What challenges do children in low-literacy communities face, and how can targeted programs address them?
- What lessons from the CCLP can be applied to broader literacy and child protection programs?
- How can partnerships between schools, parents, and local organizations enhance literacy initiatives focused on child protection?
Event Details
Date: Thursday, 20th March 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM GMT
Platform: Microsoft Teams (Webinar)
Expected Outcomes
This webinar will bring together stakeholders to discuss literacy’s role in child protection. Participants will gain deeper insights into the intersection of literacy and child welfare and leave with actionable strategies to enhance literacy-based child protection programs.