Technology: The Gift of Reading

It is often asked if the technological revolution our society has experienced in recent decades has had a positive or negative impact overall on society. I believe that both answers to this question are correct. Technology by itself cannot have an impact on society. Rather the means by which it is used by humans is what leaves an impact. Several; uses of technology have been negative, sometimes even devastating. However, once in a while we stumble upon a use of technology that makes us rethink what is possible. The truth is that is technology is used to its full potential in the right way, then is can help make the impossible possible. One such use of technology relates to our cause: Literacy. In the world of education technology has already done so much and holds the potential to do much more. So, let’s take a look at one use of technology in Ghana where it has broken every barrier to help educate children and make them empowered individuals who will undoubtedly use their newfound skills to contribute to the world.

The news was reported in the British newspaper: “The Guardian” (for courtesy reference of article see below). A school called Suhum Primary School in Ghana was a normal school in Ghana that like others faced lack of literacy due to lack of reading materials and books for children. Now due to the effrots of a literacy charity called WorldReader children at the school are able to read their favourite books on a Kindle. Yes! The e reader is able to allow them access of over 140 titles including textbooks and mainly storybooks. WorldReader provides over 3600 students with kindles in 10 schools located in Ghana. The initiative that has been taken by this charity has helped spread literacy among the students as reported by both the students and the teachers. Such vast access to reading materials allows children noyt not only learn about facts but also develop their curiosity and creativity from stories. Worldreader reports that about 60% of all the content that is accessed by these Kindles is local content to Ghana. This helps the children learn about themselves and their own country and heritage which is an essential part of their identity. So the Kindle initiative has undoubtable made the lives of those 3600 students better. It has promoted literacy, allowed them to explore the world and learn about themselves.  By providing them a more whole education we can ensure that they will achieve all their goals and soar to any heights their imagination takes them to. That’s the importance of literacy…

So, I think that the efforts of Worldreader are truly worth huge appreciation from everyone worldwide. They have helped further the vision shared by us all: to help spread literacy and empower the forgotten. This initiative truly kindled the motto of Each One Teach One!

To read the full Guardian article please visit: http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/dec/13/kindle-ghana-reading-revolution-worldreader-guardian-christmas-appeal

Courtesy Reference: Afua Hirsch (author of Guardian article), The Guardian Newspaper