Creating Reading Opportunities in Schools: The Impact of School Library Management Workshop
Reading is one of the fundamental rights of every child, but it is not available to all children around the world. The Street Children Empowerment Foundation (SCEF), in partnership with Book Aid International (BAI) and the Rotary Club of Accra Airport (RCAA), organized a three-day workshop on School Library Management for Reading Is Basic II Year 2. The workshop aimed at promoting reading and creating reading opportunities in schools to reduce school dropouts, increase academic performance, and make schools safer for children.
The training was held concurrently in two locations: Accra Metro and Ga South, led by the Executive Director of SCEF and the Programme Manager of SCEF, respectively. The workshop was attended by Ghana Education Service senior officers, Parent Association Members, representatives from the Assembly, and fifteen teachers from each of the schools.
On Day 1, the participants were introduced to Reading Is Basic and the objectives of the workshop, followed by four sessions on the components of a school library, understanding children’s books, the school library and librarian, and understanding the users of the school library.
Day 2 focused on setting up the library, book processing, teaching children how to handle books, using books to enhance the curriculum, and the use of technology in library programming. The day ended with a session on monitoring and evaluation of library programs.
The final day covered comprehension skills with books, using books as therapy, running a story time, running a book club, and building a reading school through reading promotion events, culminating in the Child Safeguarding in the Library session.
Here are some testimonials from headteachers and Parent Association Representatives about the workshop:
Headteacher of Ngleshie Amanfro Community 1 Basic School: “The School Library Management Workshop has been an eye-opener to us, especially on the importance of a well-equipped and managed library in every school. We are grateful to SCEF, Book Aid International, and RCAA for organizing this workshop. Our teachers have learned how to create a library space, process books, teach children how to handle books, run library lessons, and use books to enhance the curriculum. They also learned about the use of technology in library programming, including e-books and audiobooks.”
Headteacher of Akotolante Junior High School: “The workshop has been very helpful in terms of equipping our teachers with the knowledge and skills needed to set up and manage a school library. Our teachers have learned how to promote reading among students, reduce school dropouts, and increase academic performance. We appreciate SCEF, Book Aid International, and RCAA for organizing this workshop.“
Parent Association Representative of Ayalolo 1 & 2 Junior High School: “As a parent, I have realized the importance of reading and the impact it has on the academic performance of our children. The School Library Management Workshop has equipped our teachers with the knowledge and skills needed to create reading opportunities for our children. We are grateful to SCEF, Book Aid International, and RCAA for this initiative.“
In conclusion, the School Library Management Workshop has been a great initiative that has helped equip teachers with the knowledge and skills needed to create reading opportunities for children. It is our hope that this initiative will continue to grow and impact more schools, thereby promoting reading and reducing school dropouts.
