The University of Ghana Staff Village Association (STAVRA) in collaboration with the Human Development Group (HuD), a non-governmental Organisation has reopened the staff village community library. The reopening of the library forms part of efforts to improve literacy in the community.
The reopening of the community library after a period of closure was achieved through the dedication of six (6) level 300 students of the Department of Theatre Arts at the University of Ghana.
As part of their 2018/2019 Educational Drama project, the students identified the non-functioning community library, which was donated by the Human Development Group, (HUD), a non-governmental organisation, and worked to find a solution to the problem.
The students are Augustina Amoadu, Michael Newman Darko, Emmanuel Mensah Jnr., Melinda Seyram Njibiche, Araba Nkrumah and Rosemond Osafo. The students also approached EPP Books and Adwinsa Publishers who donated books to stock the library. In addition, they volunteered to supervise the administration of the refurbished library over a period.
During the reopening ceremony, the students performed a creative piece on the need to cultivate reading habits among children.
Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, Dean, of School of Languages representing the Vice-Chancellor in an address encouraged children and the community to take advantage of the library and improve their reading. She indicated that reading aids in becoming a good student and hence urge them to read more. As a means of ensuring non-closure of the library, she encouraged the STARVA Executives to identify volunteers who will supervise the library activities and keep it running.
Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo
Mrs. Sophia Dapaah Mantey
Mrs Margaret Ismaila, Supervisor of the project
Mrs. Ismaila appealed to residents to encourage their wards to volunteer in the administration of the library.
(Left) Students Performing at the Ceremony, (Right) Students meeting with STAVRA executives
Present at the ceremony were Mr. Jones Kwabena Ampadu, who represented the Director of PDMSD, Mr. Nkrumah, Head of Water Section, PDMSD and Dr. Edwin Acheampong, lecturer, University of Ghana Business School.
In appreciation of the students' project, Dr. Edwin Acheampong pledged an amount of GH¢200 for the purchase of books for the library.