A new era of holistic education has begun in Tegbi with the official launch of the Read2Kick Club, an innovative initiative designed to promote literacy and physical development among pupils through the combined power of reading and football.
The launch ceremony, held at Tegbi Afedome Basic School in the Anloga Disitrict, was spearheaded by the Keta Municipal Library of the Ghana Library Authority (GhLA) under the theme “We Read, We Play.”
The initiative seeks to nurture well-rounded learners by encouraging children to balance intellectual growth with teamwork and fitness through football and also to reshape classroom learning experiences by making reading both exciting and relatable, particularly for pupils who are passionate about sports.
The Read2Kick Club is a collaborative effort between the Ghana Library Authority – Keta, Hands on Sports Foundation (USA), Half Price Books (USA), Ceciyaa Foundation (Ghana), and the National Readers Association (Ghana).
The event brought together pupils, teachers, and community leaders from across the Tegbi area. Participating schools included Tegbi RC Basic, Tegbi E.P. Basic, Tegbi Afedome Basic, Tegbi Agbedrafor Basic, and Tegbi Ashiata Basic Schools, with Tegbi RC Basic School emerging victorious, showcasing remarkable teamwork and enthusiasm both on the field and in their literacy tasks.
After the games, each school received a set of branded jerseys and footballs to commence their Read2Kick activities, marking the beginning of a long-term literacy and sports engagement program.
Mr Geoffrey Kutor, a community leader, donated a trophy christened the Torgbi Blibo Trophy, which will be contested annually under the Read2Kick Tournament.
Speaking to Veritas News GH, Mr Dominic Yao Dzanado, Anloga District Director of Education, lauded the project as a creative and impactful approach to improving student engagement. He noted that integrating reading and sports would not only boost literacy rates but also instil discipline, teamwork, and leadership among young learners.
Mr Dela Odamson, Keta Municipal Librarian, explained that the initiative was inspired by the need to address the declining interest of boys in reading programs.
“We realised that while many boys were reluctant to join library activities, they were deeply passionate about sports, particularly football. Read2Kick was created to bridge that gap using football as a vehicle to make reading enjoyable and relatable.”
“We chose the motto ‘We Read, We Play’ to reflect the heart of what the Read2Kick Club stands for: a dynamic blend of education and recreation. We envision it as a sustainable model that transforms classrooms and playgrounds alike into vibrant spaces where children learn, lead, and thrive.” Mr Dela said.
As the program expands, it is expected to foster not only stronger readers but also disciplined and inspired young athletes, equipped with the confidence and curiosity to succeed in both academics and life.
