World Literacy Day: Literacy doesn’t develop in isolation – JustED Foundation
A preliminary assessment by JustED, an educational foundation, has found a significant number of communities in Ghana continue to experience low literacy rate, despite educational interventions over the years. Their investigations revealed that while school enrollment is high in communities like Achinakrom and Donyina (Ashanti Region) and Akurafu (Western North Region), access to reading…
JustED Foundation, an educational organization in Ghana, has uncovered a concerning truth about literacy rates in various communities. Despite years of educational efforts, many areas continue to struggle with low literacy rates. While enrollment in schools like those in Achinakrom, Donyina, Akurafu, and Western North Region is high, access to reading materials remains a significant obstacle.
For instance, Donyina and Akurafu M/A Primary School lacks libraries for students to borrow textbooks and educators do not have sufficient resources to teach reading effectively.
JustED's founder and executive director, Sabina Mensah, stresses that tackling literacy involves a collective approach, encompassing all stakeholders. She clarifies that literacy should not be viewed as a standalone skill, but as a foundation for addressing broader issues such as health, finance, environment, and civic engagement.
Mensah points out that children's literacy struggles can be intertwined with their household's financial difficulties, household responsibilities, or even menstrual health challenges they face. She maintains that literacy should be seen as an issue of educational equity, with children facing financial, social, or material barriers needing targeted support to fully participate in their education.
To tackle these issues, JustED has implemented a community-led model focused on sustained support. This model, embodied in the JustEd Scholars Club, provides students with a structured and guided teaching system that complements the school curriculum. Additionally, JustED organizes willing teachers in various communities to receive effective training, enabling them to help students build the necessary reading skills to improve literacy.
UNESCO reports that globally, 42% of primary students do not achieve minimum reading proficiency, and in sub-Saharan Africa, 225 million youth and adults lack basic literacy skills. JustED's dedication to providing students the opportunity to learn without barriers is evident in their initiatives, particularly during the celebration of the 60th World Literacy Day on September 8, 2026, under the theme "Literacy for people, the planet and prosperity."
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