Outreach Highlights Progress in Reading and Learning Across Beneficiary Schools
Spring-UP Global Network has reaffirmed its commitment to improving literacy and learning outcomes in underserved communities through a Back-to-School outreach in Hohoe, Volta Region. The initiative, held on Friday, 12th September 2025, focused on donating essential learning supplies to students and assessing the impact of the library project funded as part of the Deloitte WorldClass Initiative in Ghana.
Benedicta Owusu, a Spring-UP volunteer, reading with learners of Gbi-Central RC Primary and JHS at the school library provided and inaugurated by Spring-UP and Deloitte in May 2024
The visit was guided by two core objectives: to support academic readiness by equipping students with essential learning materials to help them begin the 2025/2026 academic year with confidence, and to celebrate literacy progress by showcasing the impact of the library inaugurated in May 2024 through student reading presentations and testimonials.
The team visited two beneficiary schools, Gbi-Central RC Primary & Junior High School and St. Theresa’s Demonstration JHS for Girls, where they engaged students in interactive literacy activities and distributed educational materials, including exercise books, pens, and pencils.
Kirsten Akanlugba, a Spring-UP volunteer, handing over learning supplies to the winner of the reading contest at St Teresa’s Girls’ Demonstration JHS.
At St. Theresa’s Demonstration JHS for Girls, the team engaged students in a reading contest and spelling bee, awarding prizes to top performers and encouraging all learners to cultivate daily reading habits and public speaking skills. The activities created a lively and interactive learning environment that reinforced the importance of literacy and vocabulary development.
Speaking during the visit, Akorfa Ama Akoto, Executive Director at Spring-UP Global Network, emphasized the importance of sustained engagement with schools to ensure the long-term success of literacy interventions. “We believe that access to books must be matched with motivation and mentorship. That’s why we return, not just to donate, but to inspire,” she said.
Francis Donkor Mensah, a Spring-UP volunteer, coordinating the reading contest at St. Teresa’s Girls’ Demonstration JHS
The visit also included a review of the library facilities at Gbi-Central RC Primary & JHS, where students shared personal testimonies of how the library has improved their academic performance and confidence. Some of the boys highlighted their participation in The Bookworm competition on GHOne TV, attributing their success to the resources and reading culture fostered by the library.
Mr Prince Gafah, School Improvement Support Officer (SISO), commended the initiative, stating, “Spring-UP is intentional about their support to schools. This kind of support goes beyond donations; you are building a culture of learning. The students are more confident, more curious, and more engaged. We need more of this kind of partnership to sustain the gains we’re seeing.”
SISO, Mr Prince Gafah, leading a meeting with teachers and the team from Spring-UP
Students expressed heartfelt appreciation to Deloitte through handwritten letters, acknowledging the role the organization played in making the library project possible. Teachers and school executives also shared their optimism about the sustainability of the initiative and its growing impact on learners.
Spring-UP Global Network’s Back-to-School Drive in Hohoe not only provided material support but also reinforced the value of literacy, confidence, and community engagement. The organization continues to champion literacy equity and career readiness through its iRead iLead Campaign and other strategic interventions across Ghana.
