Books For Africa Library Project - free public libraries in Ghana
Our Work in Ghana September 2024 through January 2025
Additional Information
Our work in Ghana began in early September 2024, and we returned to our home in St Louis, Missouri at the end of January 2025.
During our months in Ghana, we purchased $4000 worth of new books for the libraries, held a three-day in-service program in Kukurantumi, my hometown, hosted a one-week documentary photo-shoot based on our work, had weekly cultural drumming and dancing practice for our youth, distributed eye glasses, renovated the Kukurantumi community library, and Nana performed her chieftaincy duties to the clan and to the town. It was a busy, worthwhile time, and we had some respite when our daughter Afua, our son Kwasi and his wife Dorina visited us.
Concerning the books, we again used the Sedco Publishing House in Accra, and ordered $4000.00 worth of new curriculum books and many storybooks written by Africans from the Junior African Writers Series and Sedco’s inventory of locally written books. Responding to requests from our librarians, we added grammar books in their local languages, which are part of their curriculum. Since most children speak their mother tongue at home, and English in school, the Ghana Education Service requires the study of the local languages (there are 8 major languages) to make sure that the local languages are spoken are written correctly. We purchased curriculum books in 4 of the major languages. The children make use of these books when there are not enough books for the classrooms.
Our library in-service was a busy time for us. Our niece came with a videographer and advisor to video tape the in-service and my life as a chief. On October 25, 2024, sixteen librarians and the video team arrived. The next day, we had an all-day workshop. When children improve their ability to express themselves in writing, their reading comprehension improves. So, we had the librarians learn how to have the children keep diaries. We distributed diary outlines to the librarians for duplication and use in their reading clubs. Then for practice, we brought in students from two local schools to give the librarians hands on training in teaching children to create a diary. It was successful. Over 60 students took part in the exercise.
Before the librarians left for their homes widely spread around Ghana, we distributed the new books. This year we also gave the librarians money for their transportation. Last year several librarians couldn’t come when the local authorities didn’t give them funds.
During our months in Ghana, we purchased $4000 worth of new books for the libraries, held a three-day in-service program in Kukurantumi, my hometown, hosted a one-week documentary photo-shoot based on our work, had weekly cultural drumming and dancing practice for our youth, distributed eye glasses, renovated the Kukurantumi community library, and chieftaincy duties to the clan and to the town. It was a busy, worthwhile time, and we had some respite when our daughter Afua, our son Kwasi and his wife Dorina visited us. oks to the children’s section. Fortunately, we have Library Board members in town who will continue to push for a new librarian.
