Components
of the Programme
The literacy campaign runs for a period of nine months during the school year from September to June when farming is less intensive. The basic literacy course uses a syllabic approach and is built around nine generative themes which relate to the learners’ lives and have deep meaning to them. The generative themes use stories, pictures and discussion methods.
Animation:
A community animation component helps to create awareness in the
community around the importance of literacy particularly for the teachers, children, pre youth and youth. Through the use of drama and community consultation,
facilitators are able to assist community members understand the importance of literacy for
the upliftment of the child, family and community.
Literacy classes: Following the animation programme, the District Education Office selects the most deprived area schools where the programme will be focused. An intensive training of teachers from Primary 5 to Junior Secondary Level is offered in the selected schools in the area. Classes then start for the different age groupings from upper primary level and Junior secondary school.
Literacy materials:
Two levels for learners have been developed by the Programme. The first level
focuses on helping children acquire the basic reading and writing capabilities
within a nine month period. The second level is based on reading
comprehension and moral education.
These are based on the history and culture of the community using
traditional stories. Post-literacy
materials are also provided from the Ghana Bureau of Languages.
Community
development: During
the programme, the community often decides to embark on a community development
activity to support the literacy class and school activities. These projects (collective farms, etc.) are self-financed and
generate income to support the materials used in the classroom such as
books, pencils and chalkboards.