Ghana PEN has a network of 35 PEN school clubs in the urban and rural communities of southern Ghana. The clubs’ aims are to sustain and develop student interest in reading, writing and conversational skills in English to counter the decline of English language skills in schools as well as develop leadership qualities and writing talent amongst the youth. This pool of talent is envisaged to advance as professional writers and journalists able to directly influence and confront national and international policies. The Centre arranges writing workshops in schools and competitions twice a year; members of the PEN Centre visit the clubs. In 2013 Ghana PEN is planning to continue to work towards its aim to establish 50 PEN high school youth clubs by 2014 in Ghana by engaging 10 new high school youth clubs in the Centre’s work.

Ghana PEN Centre’s activities form part of a new International Programmes initiative jointly supported by PEN International and the Swedish International Development Agency. The aim of the new initiative is to support civil society and capacity building activities in several countries including, among others, Zambia, Sierra Leone, Central Asia, Cambodia, Nepal, Philippines, Guinea, Malawi and Puerto Rico.
For more information please contact International Programmes Officer Emese Kovács: emese.kovacs@pen-international.org

PEN International celebrates literature and promotes freedom of expression. Founded in 1921, our global community of writers now comprises 144 Centres spanning more than 100 countries. Our programmes, campaigns, events and publications connect writers and readers for global solidarity and cooperation. PEN International is a non-political organization and holds consultative status at the United Nations and UNESCO.