A book to keep and read at home: 600 books for 600 children in Assin Nkran, Ghana

There is no better gift than a new book! Today, on the International Day of Friendship, we thank everyone who participated in Biblionef’s Face Mask Campaign in the Netherlands. As a result of your support, on 31 May 2021 Biblionef Ghana gave 600 brand new children’s books to 600 children in Assin Nkran. We all know that one book can make a lasting impression. With your help we were able to ensure that another group of children can experience the wonder and joy of reading at home during these uncertain times when schools are closed in Ghana due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Biblionef Face Mask Campaign was originally inspired by the Chief of Kyekyewre – Assin Nkran, in Atandanso Traditional Area, and his wish to transform Assin Nkran in Central Region, Ghana into a model reading town. A town where everyone is an enthusiastic reader and continuously recommending books to each other.

Speaking at the ceremony to donate the books on 31 May 2021, Mrs Ohui Agbenyegah Allotey, Board Secretary for Biblionef Ghana, stated that the COVID-19 pandemic had, until recently, confined children all over the world to their homes. Schools and libraries everywhere had closed their doors while home-schooling and online classes became the logical option for many. This was however not an option for many of the communities with which Biblionef works, where parents and teachers alike had no access to online education. Children are back in school now but a lot has been lost especially in the area of reading motivation. Now, more than ever, books can make a difference to children who were stuck at home for such a long period. Reading for pleasure unlocks the imagination, helps discover new ideas, and gives solace too.

Mrs Allotey expressed appreciation to the people of the Netherlands who supported and were part of this campaign.

Biblionef Ghana organized the book ceremony to give the books to 600 children in Assin Nkran. Present at the ceremony was a representative from the Paramount chief, Nana Toku Dum; the MP for Assin South, Reverend Ntim-Fordjour, District Director of Education, Circuit Supervisors, Heads of Schools and other senior officers of the District Education office. The Biblionef Face Mask Campaign will be open for a little while longer for those who still wish to donate a new children’s book to Assin Nkran.