Teacher promotes literacy and raises awareness of dyslexia through Read-A-Thon

Dyslexia, a learning disorder that affects about 12.6% of children in Ghanaian basic schools, continues to challenge academic performance and self-esteem.

Ms. Morkporkpor Fiador, a teacher with the Garrison-5 Education Unit, has taken an innovative step to promote literacy and raise awareness about the condition through a Read-A-Thon.

On Monday, August 18, 2025, she began an attempt to set a Guinness World Record for the Longest Marathon Reading Aloud by an Individual. After ten days of non-stop reading, the exercise ended successfully at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 28, 2025, with a new record of 240 hours.

According to Ms. Morkporkpor, the initiative was not only about breaking a world record but also about highlighting the challenges of dyslexia. The event drew inspiration from organizations such as Dyslexia Africa and Dyslexia Ghana, which are working to support children living with the condition.

Speaking to the gathering after her remarkable achievement, she explained, “This marathon was a metaphor. Every hour represented the hours a child with dyslexia struggles to decode a simple sentence, every chapter represented a new chance for us to understand that challenge, their challenge. Every word read was a prayer for a more inclusive and compassionate educational system.”

Beyond dyslexia, the Read-A-Thon also sought to raise awareness about the importance of literacy in Ghana, especially among young people. Despite progress, the country’s adult literacy rate stands at around 71.9%, below the global average of 86%. The initiative further aligns with the L1 Campaign, which encourages the use of local languages in basic schools to improve literacy outcomes, in line with Ghana’s 2002 language policy.

Ms. Morkporkpor expressed hope that her bold effort would inspire change and draw greater national attention to the struggles of children with dyslexia.

“This record is a beacon. It is proof that with the right support, with unwavering determination, and with the community that believes in you, what seems impossible becomes possible,” she said.

Through this Read-A-Thon, Ms. Morkporkpor not only set a new global record but also gave a voice to thousands of children battling dyslexia, reinforcing the message that literacy is the foundation of education and a key to unlocking every child’s potential.

By Bawa Musah

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