Every child deserves the chance to read, learn, and dream. Yet in Ghana today, millions of children grow up without access to libraries. According to the Ghana Library Authority, less than 30% of public basic schools have functioning libraries, and in rural areas, only 1 in 10 schools has a stocked library. This lack of access is fueling a literacy crisis; 52% of children from the poorest regions cannot read and understand a simple sentence by age 10 (UNICEF MICS-EAGLE, 2020).
At Spring-UP Global Network, we believe literacy is the foundation for lifelong learning and success. That’s why we launched the iRead iLead Campaign, a bold educational initiative to close the literacy gap and prepare learners for the future of work.
First library opened in 2021, Yevi D/A Basic School Library, Volta Region
Our Journey So Far: From Two Libraries to Ten
With the support of volunteers and social media fundraising, we established two school libraries between 2020 and early 2022, impacting over 700 learners. Then, in September 2022, Deloitte recognized our transformative potential and partnered with us through its WorldClass Initiative, investing $55,000 to scale our impact.
In just 20 months, this partnership enabled us to:
- Establish and stock eight additional libraries across five regions.
- Provide 9,400+ books, with a strong emphasis on African-authored titles.
- Impact the lives of 23,319 children in underserved communities in the first year of impact
Today, these libraries serve as safe, vibrant literacy and STEAM hubs, featuring Early Childhood corners, interactive reading floors, and STEM zones that spark curiosity and creativity.
State Experimental M/A Basic School library
Our Next Big Goal: Sustain and Expand Impact
The iRead iLead Campaign is built on sustainability and digital inclusion. This Giving Tuesday, we aim to raise funds for:
- Day-to-day management of nine (9) libraries
- Support for 18 librarians and volunteers who keep these spaces open and functional
- New books to replace worn-out ones and expand collections
- Computers and digital tools to integrate technology into learning
Your support will ensure these libraries remain safe, inclusive spaces for reading, creativity, and STEM learning, while preparing children for a digital future.
Learners participating in a robotics lesson inside the Adweso Cluster of Schools, Koforidua, Eastern Region
Why Your Support Matters
Your Giving Tuesday donation will:
- Sustain the daily operations of our libraries.
- Support librarians and volunteers.
- Add new books to inspire young minds.
- Equip libraries with computers for digital literacy.
Every contribution brings us closer to a future where every child has access to books, technology, and opportunity.
How You Can Make a Difference This Giving Tuesday
Your gift today will help us:
- Keep libraries open and thriving by funding daily management.
- Strengthen the librarians and volunteers who deliver library services.
- Replace worn-out books and add new titles to inspire creativity and critical thinking.
- Equip libraries with computers and digital tools for 21st-century learning.
4 Ways to Take Action:
- Donate Now
Your financial support helps us sustain libraries and provide digital learning tools.
Donate Here: https://sugn.org/donate - Share Our Story
Amplify our mission on social media using:
#GivingTuesday #iReadiLeadCampaign #SpringUPGlobalNetwork - Be a Champion for Literacy and Digital Inclusion
Advocate for equitable access to education and technology. Encourage others to join the movement. - Volunteer or Partner
Offer your time, expertise, or resources, mentorship, event planning, fundraising, or strategic partnerships.
Every cedi, every dollar counts. Together, we can turn the page on illiteracy and open a new chapter of opportunity for Ghana’s children.
