The Reading Factory Goes National

WC4E
Jul 12
3 min read

WC4E Alumna Saraswati Arthur expands inclusive learning programming across Ghana

“Be the change you wish to see. Stay consistent, seek support, and keep learning.”

— Saraswati Arthur

Saraswati Arthur, founder of The Reading Factory and WC4E alumna (Cohort 2), has a life mission to transform education in Ghana. What began as classroom frustration with learning gaps has evolved into a national call for inclusive, differentiated learning that centers children with disabilities and those from underserved communities. Launched in 2023, the Reading Factory pioneered the Inclusive Reading Arts Festival which is going national!

Program Snapshot: Inclusive Reading & Arts Festival

📈67% year-over-year increase in student participation from 2023 to 2024
🚸180+ children and families participated in the festival since its inception
🇬🇭Massive scale up from 2 regions to all 16 regions of Ghana in partnership with Ghana District Education Offices

Q- Saraswati, can you share a bit about your journey in education?

I began my professional journey as an English teacher at a Senior High School in Ghana. Even though I used innovative teaching methods, I noticed a significant gap in students’ understanding, especially among those in underserved communities. Realizing that the foundation for learning starts at the basic level, I joined Teach for Ghana to apply my skills where they could make the most difference supporting children early in their education.

Q- What inspired you to advocate for inclusive learning?

My advocacy for inclusive learning grew from the urgent need to address the learning crisis in Africa, particularly in Ghana. I saw how a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work. That’s why I founded The Reading Factory—to create differentiated learning opportunities tailored to children with diverse learning needs, including those with special challenges. Inclusive education means prioritizing every child’s unique potential, ensuring no learner is left behind.

Q- How did your experience as a WC4E alumna influence your approach to educational change?

Being part of the WC4E network gave me access to a community of women dedicated to impact. With the seed grant support I received, I expanded a small reading initiative into a full Inclusive Reading and Arts Festival, now on the path to national scale.

Q- What inspired you to scale the Inclusive Reading and Arts Festival nationally?

After two successful regional editions, it became clear that the festival needed to go national. The vision is to partner with Municipal Education Offices across all 16 regions of Ghana, creating a shared platform to celebrate and elevate children with disabilities, while building awareness of inclusive education.

Q- What impact have you seen so far, and what do you hope to achieve at scale?

In 2023, we had 30 participants; in 2024, over 50 children—including those with visual and intellectual disabilities—joined alongside 100+ audience members. The shift in attitude was powerful. Teachers were amazed to see children with disabilities reading, drawing, and participating with confidence. My hope is that, through this national platform, we can advocate directly with the Ministry of Education and Ghana Education Service to not only promote but begin implementing Ghana’s inclusive education policy, beginning with equipping teachers in special and inclusive schools to better support foundational literacy. This will be done by focusing on getting all educators in Ghana to know the existence of such a policy, and gradual implementation of the policy, starting with equipping the special and inclusive schools with ethics solutions to get teachers more equipped to support children's foundational literacy skills.

Q- How does the festival support inclusivity, especially for children with disabilities or from marginalized backgrounds?

The festival creates visibility and celebrates the abilities of children often overlooked. For example, creating differentiated learning opportunities tailored to children with diverse learning needs, including those with special challenges. It’s both a celebration and a strategic tool to push forward inclusive policy and mindsets in Ghana’s education system.

Q- What’s your vision for the next five years?

The Reading Factory aims to work closely with Ghana Education Service to review and implement parts of the inclusive education policy. This includes scaling our Learning Clinics and equipping educators in inclusive schools to better support children with learning challenges.

Leadership, Partnerships & the Path Forward

Q- What lessons have you learned about driving educational change?

Change requires reflection, collaboration, and consistency. Staying true to your vision while being open to evolving it is critical. I’ve learned that the power of community, like WC4E, makes that change more sustainable.

Partnerships are essential. Partnerships with government bodies, NGOs, and community groups allow us to reach wider audiences and strengthen our ability to implement change effectively. Build credibility over time. Be consistent. Learn from those ahead of you. Plan early. And most importantly—collaborate.

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