In Accra Ghana, the Mmofra Foundation, supported by HealthBridge’s Livable Cities program, is weaving a unique story of literacy and public space. Together, they’re crafting an environment where children and families are brought together to access engaging learning experiences that blend seamlessly with the city’s parks and open spaces. This initiative aligns with HealthBridge’s Livable Cities program mission of creating equitable urban spaces that enhance quality of life, particularly for vulnerable communities.

The project, “Engaging Literacy and Public Space in Accra”, coincided with Accra’s designation as UNESCO’s World Book Capital for 2023, sparking the momentum to link literacy and public spaces. With a spotlight on literacy, Mmofra saw a chance to inspire city-wide enthusiasm for reading by organizing events that integrate literacy and public spaces, making reading more accessible to the community. One such event was the Ghana International Book Fair in August 2023, and another, the Efua Sutherland Centenary in March 2024, which highlighted Ghana’s literary legacy with outdoor cultural activities ranging from theatre performances to poetry and play festivals.

Mmofra also organized “Book Strolls” — or “Picture Book Parades” — to transform public spaces in Accra into interactive outdoor libraries. Children could wander through parks and view giant pages of children’s books, designed to enrich their love for reading. The first of the Book Strolls, ‘Py Gya! A Literary Festival in Accra,’ attracted over 1,500 visitors who roamed through pages of stories with friends and family. Soon after, at Joy FM Park, another Book Stroll brought in over 2,000 participants, integrating interactive children’s puzzles for a hands-on reading experience. Finally, at Mmofra Place, around 200 students from nearby schools joined to read as they strolled, offering a more interactive and enjoyable experience compared to traditional seated reading. The Book Strolls proved to be a hit, drawing enthusiastic crowds eager to immerse themselves in the public spaces that had been transformed to celebrate reading.

These activities showcase the transformative role of public spaces in enriching community life. HealthBridge continues to support the Mmofra Foundation to make lasting impacts on urban spaces and to inspire future generations of readers and thinkers.