Brighter Future Africa (BFA), in collaboration with the Ghana Library Authority (GhLA), has launched the 2026 Holiday Reading Challenge, a nationwide initiative aimed at keeping schoolchildren engaged in reading throughout the long vacation, while helping to reduce learning loss.
The challenge, which runs from July 24 to September 7, 2026, was officially launched last Thursday, during the "Our Day" at the Asofan Community Library.
The event attracted pupils, teachers, parents, education stakeholders, traditional leaders, local government officials and development partners, all united by a shared commitment to promoting literacy and strengthening Ghana’s reading culture.
Initiative
Addressing participants, the Executive Director of Brighter Future Africa, Daniel Korley Botchway, said the initiative reflected the organisation’s belief that every child deserved the opportunity to continue learning beyond the classroom.
He observed that while holidays provided time for rest and recreation, they should also be an opportunity for children to build their reading skills, expand their knowledge and nurture creativity through books.
Challenge
“The Holiday Reading Challenge is more than a competition; it is a national call to inspire children to read, think critically and develop a lifelong love for learning,” he said.
Speaking at the launch, the Greater Accra Regional Librarian of the Ghana Library Authority, Edward Addo-Yobo, assured parents, learners and schools that public libraries across the region were fully prepared to welcome participants throughout the holiday period.
He said libraries had been equipped with age-appropriate reading materials and conducive learning spaces to support children taking part in the challenge.
Mr Addo-Yobo encouraged parents to take advantage of the free services offered by public libraries by accompanying their children to register, borrow books and participate in reading activities during the vacation.
He added that library staff are ready to support learners in developing stronger reading habits and making the most of the challenge.
