"If you want to hide something(perhaps knowledge or material possession such as money) from an African or Black man,put it in a book"- I often hear this statement from a number friends,who tell me "Godwin(my name),do you know that the reading spirit amongst children of this generation have greatly declined?". Then I reply "you tell me". So they continue "since the advancement in science and application of technology,the avid reading audience have disturbingly dwindled particularly with the youth.They forgo newspapers,magazines and other written mediums in preference to electronic formats.They're glued to these mediums like leeches."
Well, I have observed this trend and believe there is some truth in what my friends say.I'm not against electronic mediums that convey profitable information to its audience.My worry is that most of our Ghanaian youth and children(perhaps youths in other countries)have become addicted to electronic content particularly with the internet.Contents of class works are dominantly filled with information from Wikipedia,and other information-based search engines.
Only a few students read from prescribed textbooks, make references to authors of such works including quotes from them.
Most of the youth spend their quality time face-booking,tweeting,and what-sapping(the dominant)...these social media networks are entertaining,they claim.Their excuse for not reading articles,newspapers,and textbooks? "its voluminous and boring and not portable.With our phone's browser,we get ready information when given class assignments.Oh my God,its really fun and convenient!"
Yes!No doubt about its convenience and portability.But I have realized another disturbing trend amongst these "electronic-minded" youth--they pay less attention to vocabulary,grammar,punctuation....because they are in a hurry to get their information.Time is not on their side,and in the long run they become forgetful. "Knowledge is Power" it is often remarked.And this power can be wielded through serious reading.
It is an irony to note that in some African countries particularly Ghana where much of teacher-learner relationship are centered on theories with less exposure to practicals(perhaps due to lack of funds to procure such learning facilities),students still find it difficult to read.Libraries in high schools and universities are poorly resourced.Available reading materials are even of old editions.Interestingly,these students fear to go to the library. They shun this "house of knowledge". Take a walk around the streets and corners of Lapaz,Accra,Chorkor,Ashiamang...this is what you will see- children between the ages of 5-12 engaged in "innocent amusements" and sometimes "adult play". It is often remarked that "all work or study and no play makes Jack a dull boy and all play and no study makes Jack a lazy boy". Now let me stress on the latter part: There is laziness in most of our youth today.The contributing factors I believe are the food(processed food)they consume and the rapid execution of tasks due to technology.An individual who goes a whole week without reading,studying,listening to news and perhaps a little profitable amusement,weakens his/her own mind.They will surely become a burden to their teachers in school. On this note let me advice the youth and children of Ghana and those of the world over:read your books,read and read.Knowledge emanates from persistent reading.Knowledge blesses an individual with power.With power a person has some influence on others.But this influence must be positive.One that will mobilize and gear people to become more productive and innovative.This is my candid advice.Let it sink into your delicate heart.Ponder over it,and practice it to be successful.Awake from your slumber you young ones,keep vigil,read,read and read!
Well, I have observed this trend and believe there is some truth in what my friends say.I'm not against electronic mediums that convey profitable information to its audience.My worry is that most of our Ghanaian youth and children(perhaps youths in other countries)have become addicted to electronic content particularly with the internet.Contents of class works are dominantly filled with information from Wikipedia,and other information-based search engines.
Only a few students read from prescribed textbooks, make references to authors of such works including quotes from them.
Most of the youth spend their quality time face-booking,tweeting,and what-sapping(the dominant)...these social media networks are entertaining,they claim.Their excuse for not reading articles,newspapers,and textbooks? "its voluminous and boring and not portable.With our phone's browser,we get ready information when given class assignments.Oh my God,its really fun and convenient!"
Yes!No doubt about its convenience and portability.But I have realized another disturbing trend amongst these "electronic-minded" youth--they pay less attention to vocabulary,grammar,punctuation....because they are in a hurry to get their information.Time is not on their side,and in the long run they become forgetful. "Knowledge is Power" it is often remarked.And this power can be wielded through serious reading.
It is an irony to note that in some African countries particularly Ghana where much of teacher-learner relationship are centered on theories with less exposure to practicals(perhaps due to lack of funds to procure such learning facilities),students still find it difficult to read.Libraries in high schools and universities are poorly resourced.Available reading materials are even of old editions.Interestingly,these students fear to go to the library. They shun this "house of knowledge". Take a walk around the streets and corners of Lapaz,Accra,Chorkor,Ashiamang...this is what you will see- children between the ages of 5-12 engaged in "innocent amusements" and sometimes "adult play". It is often remarked that "all work or study and no play makes Jack a dull boy and all play and no study makes Jack a lazy boy". Now let me stress on the latter part: There is laziness in most of our youth today.The contributing factors I believe are the food(processed food)they consume and the rapid execution of tasks due to technology.An individual who goes a whole week without reading,studying,listening to news and perhaps a little profitable amusement,weakens his/her own mind.They will surely become a burden to their teachers in school. On this note let me advice the youth and children of Ghana and those of the world over:read your books,read and read.Knowledge emanates from persistent reading.Knowledge blesses an individual with power.With power a person has some influence on others.But this influence must be positive.One that will mobilize and gear people to become more productive and innovative.This is my candid advice.Let it sink into your delicate heart.Ponder over it,and practice it to be successful.Awake from your slumber you young ones,keep vigil,read,read and read!
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