Staff from the power producer spent a day reading with pupils in Sekondi-Takoradi and handed over storybooks, bags and learning materials as the new school year opens.
Pupils of Essipong STMA Basic School in Sekondi-Takoradi swapped a normal school morning for storytelling, colouring and reading games on September 9, as Karpowership marked International Literacy Day with a day-long engagement at the school.
Karpowership, the Turkish-owned company that operates powerships supplying electricity in Ghana, sent its own employees into the classrooms rather than simply dropping off a donation. Staff led reading and storytelling sessions for children from pre-school through to upper primary, giving the pupils room to listen, ask questions and talk about the stories.
The programme ran under the theme "Light Up! Read to Lead – Powering Young Minds for a Brighter Tomorrow."
What the school received
At the end of the session, the company handed over storybooks matched to the different age groups, along with school bags and other learning materials. The timing was deliberate, coming at the start of a new academic year when many families are still struggling to put together books and basic supplies.
Part of the stock came from staff themselves. Under a "One Staff, One Book" arrangement, employees were each asked to contribute a storybook or another suitable reading item to build up the school's collection.
What the organisers said
Sandra Amarquaye, Communications Manager at Karpowership, said reading helps children build knowledge, imagination and confidence.
"Every child has the potential to become a leader, and we believe reading can help them discover that potential," she said.
The school's headmistress, Mrs Mary Quayson, received the items and thanked the company, noting that the donation would widen what her pupils are able to read and explore. She also welcomed the fact that staff spent time with the children instead of only donating.
The Chief of Essipong, Nana Kofi Abuna V, attended the event and praised the company for its continued backing of education in the community. The traditional leader pointed to the value of pupils meeting working professionals, and urged the children to make proper use of the books and materials.
One pupil who took part said the stories were interesting and promised to share them with friends.
Why it matters
Weak reading levels in Ghanaian basic schools have long been a concern for parents and teachers, and school-level libraries in many public basic schools remain thin. For Ghanaians abroad who follow developments back home — and who often fund books and school fees for relatives — corporate literacy drives of this kind are one of the ways gaps in learning materials are being filled, school by school.
International Literacy Day is observed globally each September and is used by schools, governments and companies to draw attention to reading and basic education.
Reported first by Ghanaian Times on 2026-09-11. This article was written for our readers based on that report. Follow the link for the original coverage.