Mrs Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, on Monday inaugurated a GHC31,000 community library at Tuobodom in the Brong-Ahafo Region.

The United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) ST-EP Foundation furnished the facility constructed by the district assembly with 3,000 books, chairs, tables as well as a modern computer and accessory.

Mrs Ofosu-Adjare said the library was the 35th “Thank You Small Library Project” being implemented by the UNWTO ST-EP in the country.

She said the project was based on the Korean model of eliminating poverty, especially in small communities, and it consisted of establishing small libraries in local communities, as an essential means for development.

Mrs Ofosu-Adjare said reading opened the door to children’s early academic success, imparted a love for learning which led to higher grades in every subject.

“When children learn to read at an early age, they get greater general knowledge, expand their vocabulary and become more logical in their thinking,” she said.

She advised children in the community to use the facility, stressing “it is by mastering effective reading that you get the necessary knowledge, which will enable you to excel now and also into the future”.

Mrs Ofosu-Adjare expressed optimism that the library would help the pupils attain a 100 per cent pass rate in the next Basic Education Certificate Examination.

She expressed appreciation to Ambassador Young Shim Dho, the chairperson of the foundation, and other donor partners for their support in helping to alleviate poverty in the country.

Mr Anthony Kwaku Manu, the Techiman North District Chief Executive, said government appreciated the role the South Korean Government played and continued to play in the socio-economic development of the country.

“The Korean government has consistently demonstrated that they are true and reliable partners of government in our efforts to improve upon the quality of life of our people, and this is manifested by the support they provide in the various sectors including education, sanitation, relief services and health,” he said.