As part of the Bible Society of Ghana’s (BSG) ongoing efforts to promote mother-tongue literacy under the Esahie Literacy Project, a five-day residential facilitators’ training program was successfully held at the Emmanuel Hotel in Juaboso from Monday, May 26 to Friday, May 30, 2025.
The initiative, in collaboration with the Swedish Mission Council (SMC), brought together 30 newly recruited volunteer facilitators from 22 communities across the Juaboso and Bodi Districts, including Juaboso, Kwafuka, Patakro, Attaboka, Kofikrom, Benchema, Danyame, Mantuka, Nkwanta, Antobia, Abono, Aboagyekrom, Proso, Kama, Adiembra, Asafo, and Krayawkrom.
The comprehensive program was tailored to equip facilitators with the skills needed to effectively deliver Esahie literacy lessons in their respective communities.
Training modules included literacy class preparation, classroom management, learner engagement, the Esahie alphabet, and phonics, as well as topics on socio-economic development and sustainable teaching strategies.
A notable highlight of the training was a special session led by representatives from the Department of Social Welfare. Their presentation emphasized child labour prevention, gender equality, and the rights-based approach to education, sparking meaningful discussions about the broader role of facilitators as advocates for social change within their communities.
On the final day, facilitators received essential teaching materials, including primers, exercise books, pens, pencils, duster boards, marker pens, attendance registers, and raincoats to support them as they commence literacy classes in often challenging rural settings.
While participants expressed great satisfaction with the participatory approach and relevance of the training content, logistical concerns were raised, particularly the limited availability of solar lamps, Wellington boots, and primers. These issues underscore the need for continued support and follow-up engagements to ensure facilitators are well-equipped and motivated.
The BSG, through this initiative, continues to demonstrate its commitment to empowering local communities through literacy, education, and social advocacy—key pillars for long-term development in the Western North Region.
