The National Association of Kpelle & Kpelle Speaking People (NAKKSP) has officially launched a community‑based literacy program to support reading and writing skills among children, youth, and adults in rural Kpelle communities. The initiative is being piloted in selected towns across Bong and Lofa Counties.
Many Kpelle‑speaking communities face barriers to education, including limited access to books, long walking distances to schools, and families who cannot afford extra learning materials. Through this literacy program, NAKKSP is working with local leaders, schools, and volunteers to make reading more accessible, enjoyable, and culturally relevant.
At the heart of the initiative are community “literacy corners” – small spaces set up in community halls, churches, schools, and youth centers where learners can gather to read, practice writing, and participate in group activities. Materials include storybooks, basic readers, posters, and simple learning aids in both English and Kpelle.
“Our goal is to make reading part of everyday community life,” said a NAKKSP program officer during the launch. “When children and adults can read, they are better able to access information about health, agriculture, livelihoods, and their rights. Literacy opens doors to participation and opportunity.”
As part of the program, NAKKSP is training volunteer literacy facilitators, many of whom are teachers, youth leaders, or respected community members. These volunteers receive guidance on how to run reading circles, support struggling learners, and use local stories and proverbs to make sessions more engaging and meaningful.
The literacy sessions are designed to be inclusive, welcoming children who are in school, children who are not currently enrolled, young people, and adults who may have missed out on formal education. Special attention is given to involving women and girls, who often carry heavy household responsibilities and may have fewer opportunities to attend school.
“We are encouraging parents and guardians to sit with their children during reading time,” explained one community leader. “When parents show interest, children become more motivated, and the whole family starts to value education and learning.”
Over the next 12 months, NAKKSP plans to:
- Establish literacy corners in at least 10 Kpelle‑speaking communities;
- Train a network of community literacy facilitators;
- Distribute age‑appropriate reading materials in English and Kpelle;
- Organize reading competitions and storytelling events; and
- Work with parents, schools, and local leaders to promote a “culture of reading.”
The community literacy program is part of NAKKSP’s broader commitment to education, cultural preservation, and inclusive development among Kpelle & Kpelle‑speaking people in Liberia. By combining formal learning materials with local language and culture, the program seeks to build confidence, strengthen identity, and ensure that no one is left behind.
NAKKSP is actively seeking partnerships with schools, local organizations, and supporters who are interested in expanding this initiative to other Kpelle‑speaking areas. Individuals and institutions wishing to donate books or support the program are encouraged to contact the NAKKSP Secretariat.