From Fear to Confidence: Jennifer's Reading Journey
By, Vanessa Boateng-Okrah, Project Officer
When Jennifer, a shy 10-year-old pupil from Abourso, joined the Seven-Acorn Reading Camp, she could barely read a simple sentence. Her teachers often described her as quiet and withdrawn, especially during reading lessons. Although Jennifer loved school she struggled to keep up with her peers frequently avoiding class reading activities out of fear of making mistakes. Everything changed when she became part of the reading camp organised by World Vision Ghana through the Fanteakwa Area Program.
The reading camp was more than just an academic space. It was a nurturing environment where children learn to read, share stories, and strengthen their faith. Facilitators combined reading activities with moral and spiritual lessons drawn from Bible stories, teaching values such as honesty, kindness, and perseverance. Jennifer quickly became fond of the sessions, especially when stories were tied to real-life examples that reflected her own experiences.
At first, Jennifer hesitated to read aloud during sessions. However, through patient coaching and encouragement from her reading camp facilitator, she began to gain confidence. She started participating in group reading exercises and even volunteered to lead short Bible passages during the spiritual nurturing segment of the camp. With consistent practice and supportive environment, Jennifer move from struggling with letter sounds to reading short paragraphs fluently.
Jennifer shared, “Before joining the reading camp, I was afraid to read in class because my friends would laugh at me. Now, I read every day at home with my younger sister, and I even help her learn new words from the Bible.”
Her facilitator, Mr. Nkanasah, confirmed her transformation, saying, “Jennifer has become one of the most active readers in our group. She not only reads fluently now but also shares lessons from the Bible stories with his friends.”
The impact of the Seven-Acorn Reading Camp has gone beyond academics for Jennifer. Her parents have noticed her growing confidence and deepened sense of faith. She has developed a routine of reading both storybooks and her children’s Bible every evening, often leading short devotion sessions at home.
Jennifer proudly stated, “Reading the Bible helps me understand that God loves me and wants me to be kind and brave.”
Today, Jennifer’s literacy and faith journey continues to flourish. She recently represented her reading club during the Reading Festival, where she confidently read a Bible passage and shared what it meant to her. Her dream is to become a teacher someday so she can help other children learn to read and believe in themselves.
Jennifer’s story is a shining example of how literacy development, when integrated with spiritual nurturing, can build both the mind and the heart to empower children not only to read but to live with purpose, confidence, and faith.