The club will place special emphasis on Ghanaian and African literature
In a bold step to promote literacy, critical thinking, and gender empowerment, Syldem Foundation Ltd. has launched a Reading Club at St. George’s Anglican Basic School in Chorkor, Accra. The initiative seeks to instill a love for reading among students, particularly girls, while inspiring leadership, academic growth, and social development.
With the theme “Girls Who Read, Lead…” and the slogan “Together We Grow One Story at a Time,” the Reading Club Model was officially rolled out on July 2, 2025. The project was met with overwhelming enthusiasm, as students eagerly selected books of their choice to kickstart their reading journeys.
The Chorkor community, a densely populated fishing enclave in the Accra Metropolis, was intentionally selected for the pilot phase. Despite being part of the capital city, the area suffers from poor infrastructure and inadequate educational facilities.
The project aims not only to promote literacy but also to draw the attention of policymakers and community leaders to the urgent needs of schools in underserved urban areas.
Speaking during the event, Sylvia S.A. Demanya, Managing Director of Syldem Company Ltd. and one of the project’s co-founders, emphasized the critical importance of empowering girls through education. However, she also stressed the inclusive nature of the initiative, highlighting the role of boys in the journey toward gender equality.
“The aim of empowering the girl child through the Reading Club should not deter boys from participating,” she said. “Engaging boys early is just as important in shaping well-rounded, compassionate leaders for tomorrow. Gender balance begins with inclusion.”
Inspired by the famous words of education activist Malala Yousafzai — “One child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the world” — the Reading Club aligns with the Foundation’s broader mission to promote education, social-emotional learning, and self-confidence among schoolchildren.
Through shared reading experiences, students will be encouraged to develop empathy, critical thinking skills, and a deeper understanding of their cultural identity.
The Reading Club focuses primarily on girls aged 10 to 15, creating a safe and nurturing space where they can explore ideas, express themselves, and dream without limits. However, the inclusive approach encourages all students to participate meaningfully.
The launch was led by three pioneering women:
Sylvia S.A. Demanya – Business Consultant and Entrepreneur
Kailey Georgina Allotey – HR Consultant and Health & Wellness Entrepreneur
Imeta Akakpo – French Literature Lecturer and Gender Activist at Ho Technical University
Together, they bring a wealth of global experience in literature and education, spanning languages such as French, Spanish, German, and English.
According to the Foundation, the Reading Club will serve as a co-curricular activity that enhances academic performance, vocabulary, grammar, and writing skills. It also aims to counter the effects of social isolation and encourage positive peer engagement through storytelling and dialogue.
The club will place special emphasis on Ghanaian and African literature, helping students connect with their roots, understand their history, and develop a strong sense of identity and pride.
Syldem Foundation believes this model has far-reaching potential, with benefits ranging from improved educational outcomes and leadership development to broader socio-economic impacts, including poverty reduction and better health outcomes for girls.
“By equipping young girls with the tools to read, reflect, and lead, we are building the foundation for a more equitable and empowered society,” the Foundation noted in a statement.
The Reading Club formation is expected to be replicated in other schools across Ghana, with hopes of creating a national movement that positions literacy and leadership at the heart of education.
