Accra, Nov. 26, GNA - The Junior Graphic, a subsidiary newspaper of the Graphic Communication Group Limited (GCGL), on Saturday organised a funfair for the youth, as part of activities to commemorate its fifth anniversary celebrations.

Mr Berfi Apenteng, Managing Director, GCGL, at the opening of the event said the paper was the symbol of the company's vision for the youth and their development and aimed at instilling the habit of reading in children as a corrective measure for the declining standard of English Language in schools.

"Not only does the paper help children to love reading, it also encourages them to learn to write but it also serves as the platform for children to express their views on national issues and make suggestions on government policies that affects them," he said. Mr Apenteng said through the games, which included a tug of war, spoon and lime race, sack race, basket and volleyball, shuttle train, face painting, musical chairs and in bouncy castles, the children would learn to socialise with people from different backgrounds and cultures and make new friends.

He promised to ensure that the programme became a regular feature and extended to all the regions so that all children who read the Junior Graphic got equal opportunities to have fun. Students, who took part in the essay competition jointly organised by the Junior Graphic and the EPP Books Services, were awarded with cheques and cash prizes, computers, books and T-shirts. Mr Apenteng urged parents to play active roles in assisting their children to read and write good articles to help improve their academic performances.

He explained that the paper was produced under high subsidy by the GCGL to encourage wider patronage and coverage. "In the 2004 financial year, the company subsidised the paper to the tune of about one billion cedis and this shows how much premium the company places on the education and development of the youth," he said.

Mrs Mavis Kitcher, Editor of Junior Graphic, said the paper now had a wider readership as the quantity of the publication had increased from 12,000 copies five years ago to 120,000 copies.

She stated that though there had been some difficulties, the paper had gradually gained favour with teachers, parents and students and thanked all who had contributed to the success story.

Mr Bernard Ntim, Member of the Technical Working Committee of the Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS) said the importance of reading could not be overemphasised in the phase of great competition in the selection to Senior Secondary Schools. He commended the GCGL for its initiative and support in enhancing the level of reading and learning among students.

Mr Ntim said the new placement system had helped in removing major barriers, which in the past limited candidate's selection to one region. "This year, over 150,000 out of 178,000 qualified candidates have been placed in SSS and Technical Institutes by the System and you need to learn hard to pass well so that you will get your dreamed schools and career programme," he said.