Bookworm urges schools to embrace extracurricular activities to develop pupils’ talents

Nelson Kofi Poku, CEO of Bookworm, has called on parents and educators to promote extracurricular activities among children to help them uncover their talents and enhance their opportunities for further education. During the Bookworm Greater Accra Season 13 grand finale on October 24, Mr. Poku emphasized that academic achievements in the classroom alone are insufficient to equip children for the competitive world they are entering.

He highlighted that educational competitions and public events serve as platforms for children to showcase their abilities and attract additional chances. “We live in a society where your performance in the classroom alone is not enough to excel,” Mr. Poku stated. He advised parents and teachers to expose children to activities that would boost their confidence, refine their communication skills, and allow them to exhibit their talents.

Mr. Poku provided an example of a female student from Keta, Volta Region, who reached the final round of a National Science and Maths Quiz competition. This accomplishment helped her secure a scholarship to continue her education overseas. He stressed that such opportunities underscore the significance of allowing children to engage in contests that can open doors to higher education and personal growth.

“Parents and teachers should adopt this type of learning and enroll children in public activities. By doing so, society will become aware of the children's capabilities and the contributions they can make,” he explained. The Bookworm Initiative Expands Bookworm, an organization that has been operating for nearly a decade, has broadened its extracurricular activities across about 10 regions in the country.

Mr. Poku revealed that the Greater Accra competition started with around 74 schools, and 33 schools advanced to the grand finale. The event, held on October 24, had three categories: lower primary, upper primary, and junior high school (JHS), each with its winners. The Greater Accra event was the third regional finale organized by the program in October, following competitions in the Eastern Region on October 10 and the Ashanti Region on October 16.

Mr. Poku confirmed that Bookworm welcomes participants from both public and private schools, offering an inclusive platform for children from diverse educational backgrounds. He praised the involvement of public schools, noting that the program is designed to accommodate all interested students. “We welcome everyone who shows interest in joining the program.

We guide them through the process together,” he affirmed. Incentives and Global Exposure Mr. Poku disclosed that Bookworm has introduced rewards to encourage outstanding participants and motivate them to further develop academically and personally. Winners receive 50% scholarships for a year, while top winners also take home laptops.

Sponsors also subsidize the travel costs of selected top performers to Dubai, covering 50% of the expenses, depending on their rankings in the competition.