Author and writer Demi Letsa has urged parents to take a more active role in developing their children’s confidence in reading and writing, stressing that parental support is often the missing link in unlocking a child’s academic potential.

Speaking on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily on Friday, July 11, during a discussion on the 2025 edition of The Literacy Challenge, Letsa observed that many young learners have the ability to grasp knowledge and articulate ideas but fall short due to a lack of encouragement.

“The children need parental encouragement. Very often, in our cultural setting, we have more parental discouragement than support. I urge all parents to give their children the confidence they need because that’s what’s lacking. The knowledge is there, the ability to express it may be there, but because of their age and maturity, they lack the confidence. If you push them, they will deliver,” she emphasised.

Her remarks followed the official launch of The Literacy Challenge 2025, a prestigious nationwide competition organised by Citi FM in collaboration with Channel One TV. The contest is designed to test the writing, critical thinking, and analytical abilities of Junior High School (JHS) students across Ghana.

This year’s topic challenges participants to write not less than 600 words on:

The competition is open to students aged 11 to 15. Entries must be handwritten and endorsed by a parent or guardian, and must include full contact details. The deadline for submissions is Saturday, July 26, 2025.

Essays can be submitted in person at the front desks of Citi FM or Channel One TV, or mailed to:
P.O. Box GP 14123, Accra Central.

Finalists will compete for the title of Ghana’s Most Outstanding All-Round JHS Student and stand the chance to win GH¢10,000 in cash, a trophy, and national recognition.

The Literacy Challenge is powered by Citi FM, supported by Channel One TV, and proudly sponsored by BEL MOOO and GB Investments.

For more information, interested participants can call 0205 973 973.