Success stories
Shani becomes the first reader in her family
1 Feb 2011
Primary school teacher Sue Barry found a National Literacy Trust programme had an incredible impact on a girl in her class.
When I was walking through the playground at break time I noticed one of the children who had taken part in the National Literacy Trust events. She was sitting in a corner by herself, completely absorbed in a book. I was surprised and delighted because both of her parents are illiterate and her four older brothers all left school with below average reading; one recently served time in prison.
As well as developing a love of reading outside of the classroom, Shani’s reading level has increased and she is on course to achieve the expected level for her age by the time she leaves primary school. I am so proud of her for becoming the “first” reader in her family. I think that the National Literacy Trust has had a huge part to play in what is a very bright future for Shani.
