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Do you know 9 out of 10 children in Africa can’t read

WISDOM K.E HAMMOND 4 weeks ago

Do you know 9 out of 10 children in Africa can’t read? Do you know reading is so important if children in Africa are to succeed in life?

It is important that reading in school and at home is taken seriously.Literacy levels in Africa are decreasing, with a large number of children under the age of 10 being unable to read. According to the report by Global Citizens, 9 in 10 children in Africa can’t read.

Reading is an important skill that has numerous benefits, both personal and professional. Here are a few reasons why reading should be taken seriously:

Improves literacy skills: Regular reading can help improve literacy skills, such as vocabulary, comprehension, and critical thinking.
Increases knowledge: Reading is a great way to learn new information and gain a deeper understanding of different subjects.
Enhances creativity: Reading stimulates the imagination and can help expand creative thinking.
Reduces stress: Reading has been shown to have a calming effect and can help reduce stress and anxiety.
Increases empathy: Reading allows you to experience different perspectives and can help increase empathy and understanding of others.
Improves cognitive function: Regular reading has been linked to improved cognitive function, including memory and problem-solving skills.
Improves writing skills: Reading helps improve writing skills by exposing you to different writing styles and techniques.
Broadens cultural horizons: Reading allows you to experience different cultures and worldviews, helping to broaden your cultural horizons.

READ: Be like Nana Aba Anamoah; she loves reading BOOKS -50 Reasons why you must read

Why have reading habits falling in the 21st century

There could be several reasons for the decline in reading habits in the 21st century, including:

Increased screen time: With the rise of technology and the internet, people are spending more time on screens for entertainment, communication, and work.
Short attention spans: The constant barrage of information and stimulation from digital devices may have made it harder for people to concentrate and sustain attention for long periods of time.
Competing leisure activities: People have more options for entertainment and leisure activities, such as video games, social media, and streaming services, which may lead to less time spent reading.
Decline in print media: The decline of print media, such as books and newspapers, has led to a reduction in the number of opportunities for people to engage with written content.
Busy lifestyles: People are busier than ever, with work and personal demands leaving little time for leisure activities, including reading.

However, it’s worth noting that despite these factors, reading is still a popular activity for many people, and that e-book sales have risen in recent years, suggesting that people are finding new ways to incorporate reading into their lives.

How can schools encourage improved reading habits among learners?

Schools can encourage improved reading habits among learners through several strategies, including:

Incorporating reading into the curriculum: Schools can make reading a part of the daily routine by assigning daily readings or incorporating literature into subjects such as history or science.
Encouraging independent reading: Schools can encourage students to read books of their choice by providing access to a diverse range of books and encouraging students to share their opinions about what they have read.
Using technology: Schools can use technology, such as e-books and educational apps, to engage students in reading and make it more accessible and appealing.
Providing incentives: Schools can incentivize reading by offering rewards, such as certificates or special privileges, for students who meet reading goals.
Promoting a reading culture: Schools can promote a culture of reading by hosting book clubs, book fairs, or author visits, and by encouraging teachers and staff to be role models for reading.
Making reading fun: Schools can create interactive and engaging reading experiences for students by incorporating games, dramatizations, and discussions into their reading activities.

By taking these steps, schools can help foster a love of reading and improve reading habits among their students.

There are several professions that are directly related to reading, including:

Librarians: Librarians help people find books, organize and maintain library collections, and offer reading recommendations.
Teachers: Teachers play a key role in promoting reading habits among students and use reading materials in the classroom to support learning.
Writers: Writers create written works, such as books, articles, and scripts, that are meant to be read by others.
Editors: Editors review and revise written materials to ensure accuracy, clarity, and readability.
Literacy specialists: Literacy specialists work with individuals who have difficulty reading, such as those with dyslexia, and help them develop their reading skills.
Booksellers: Booksellers are involved in the sale of books and often have extensive knowledge about literature and reading habits.
Publishers: Publishers produce and distribute books and other written materials and play an important role in shaping reading habits by deciding what books to publish and market.
Literary agents: Literary agents represent writers and help them secure publishing deals and negotiate contracts.
Critics and reviewers: Critics and reviewers provide evaluations and analysis of books and other written works, helping readers determine what to read and influencing reading habits.

While it is true that 9 out of 10 children in Africa can’t read, we can work together to change this narrative.