Action Through Enterprise (ATE) is thrilled to announce the official launch of its new library and computer suite at the Lawra Inclusion Centre. This initiative, which aims to enhance access to digital literacy and foster a love of reading, is a transformative step in empowering the next generation of young people in the municipality. It is designed to provide children, and members of the community, with the tools and spaces they need to learn, socialise, and grow. 150 children came to our first Library Session, a wonderful number and a testament to the need for this resource.
The launch marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for ATE’s community-based educational programs, with plans to replicate this initiative in Nandom, the newest beneficiary district. The goal is to create safe, vibrant learning environments where children can develop critical thinking skills, improve their literacy, and engage with technology in a meaningful way.
Empowering Children and Communities
The newly launched Lawra library and computer suite aim to promote several key objectives:
Access to Digital Literacy and Technology: By offering children the opportunity to use computers and other digital tools, ATE is helping them acquire essential digital literacy skills that are crucial for success in today’s world.
Improvement of Children’s Literacy: The library is designed to encourage children to read more, improving their reading skills and fostering a lifelong love of learning.
Safe Learning and Socialization Space: The centre provides a safe and welcoming space for children to engage with their peers, think critically, and develop social skills in a supportive environment.
Providing Employment Opportunities
As part of the project, ATE has created jobs for five people within the community:
- Two Library Assistants to manage the Lawra library
- One Tech Coordinator to oversee the computer suite in Lawra
- One Library Assistant to manage the Nandom library (upon its launch)
- One Tech Coordinator to oversee the computer suite in Nandom (once it’s launched)
A Strong Community Response
The response to the launch has been overwhelmingly positive, with both parents and students expressing excitement about the new opportunities available at the centre. Evelyn, a parent, shared her thoughts: “This learning space is the first of its kind in our municipality, and it will greatly improve children’s literacy. It will help them develop the habit of reading, improve their reading skills, and keep them engaged after school and on Saturdays instead of being idle. It also provides a space for them to socialize and think critically.”
Abraham, a student at the centre, echoed this sentiment: “I will always look forward to coming to the centre because there are so many learning activities. It will also give me the chance to meet new friends and learn from them.”
Building a Brighter Future
The launch of the Lawra library and computer suite is just the beginning. ATE is committed to expanding these efforts, with the Nandom library and computer suite slated for launch soon. The vision is to bring more resources, more opportunities, and more safe spaces to children across the two municipalities and beyond.
In addition to the library, ATE is also planning a significant tech overhaul for both inclusion centres, which will further improve the access to and quality of learning opportunities provided. The success of this initiative is a testament to the hard work and dedication of ATE’s staff, volunteers, and supporters, including Ghana School Aid UK, whose generous funding made this project possible.
Social Media Buzz
On social media, the community has shown immense support for the project. One user commented, “This is a fantastic initiative! Providing a safe and engaging learning space will make a lasting impact on children’s education and future, great job by Action Through Enterprise – ATE!” Another added, “This is amazing! This will really help them improve on their studies.”
Acknowledgments
ATE extends its heartfelt thanks to all those who have supported this incredible project, including the hardworking new library staff team in Lawra: Baku Blandina and Olivia Saa, as well as Kate Regan and Dee Anderson, our dedicated volunteers currently in Lawra supporting the training of staff. We also extend our gratitude to Ghana School Aid UK for their invaluable funding, which brought this dream to life.
We are incredibly excited for the future and the continued impact we will have on the lives of children in Lawra, Nandom, and beyond. With your continued support, we can help break the cycle of poverty and pave the way for a brighter, more educated future for these young people.
Stay tuned for updates on the Nandom library launch and other exciting developments from ATE!
Written by Kanyiri Kubbe-isaan, Impact Manager