31 October 2007

National Literacy Trust appoints project director for Reading Is Fundamental, UK

The National Literacy Trust is pleased to announce the appointment of Judith Parke as project director of Reading Is Fundamental, UK (RIF).

Judith will be joining the National Literacy Trust from the international NGO CAFOD, where she led the community fundraising programme across England and Wales.

As RIF project director, Judith will be responsible for the strategic direction and development of a national initiative that works to inspire a love of reading in children in areas of disadvantage.

Director of the National Literacy Trust Jonathan Douglas comments,
“We are delighted to welcome Judith to the National Literacy Trust as RIF project director. RIF is a hugely exciting project, which makes a difference to the lives of thousands of children each year. I am certain that Judith’s leadership will help us go from strength to strength to introduce more children to the pleasures and benefits of reading.”

RIF project director Judith Parke comments,
“I’m really pleased to be working for the National Literacy Trust, as I believe that everyone should have the opportunity to develop basic life skills. RIF gives children the chance to do this, by introducing them to the joy of reading and empowering them to become lifelong learners.”

www.literacytrust.org.uk

www.rif.org.uk

ENDS

Notes to Editors

Judith Parke biography
Since 2001 Judith has worked at the international NGO, CAFOD, where she led the community fundraising team. She has worked as a volunteer in Brazil and is the chair of the Ai-Kameli Trust, a small charity supporting education for East Timorese. She has a degree in English and Psychology from the University of Dundee.

Reading Is Fundamental, UK (RIF) is an initiative of the National Literacy Trust. RIF helps children and young people realise their potential by motivating them to read. Working with trained volunteer coordinators, RIF helps to introduce children to the fun and excitement of reading by allowing them to choose and keep up to three free books a year. www.rif.org.uk

The National Literacy Trust is an independent charity that changes lives through literacy. It links home, school and the wider community to inspire learners and create opportunities for everyone. www.literacytrust.org.uk