Success stories
Mia becomes the first reader in her family
25 Jan 2013
Watch a short film of Mia's Story narrated by Mariella Frostrup.
Eight-year-old Mia lives on a tough estate. Most of the adults she knows don’t have a job. Her parents can’t read or write so no-one has ever read her a bedtime story. There are no books at home, no bedtime stories and no trips to the library.
Mia is only eight but she is already struggling at school. It's tough being the one who hasn't got the answer. It will soon become easier to hide the problem than to fix it. Mia's brother hid his poor literacy for so long it stopped him getting a job. Recently he has been in prison. Her mum and dad want the best for all their children but they know their illiteracy is a block.
But a year on and against all expectations Mia has become the first reader in her family. The National Literacy Trust has worked with her school, holding fun storytelling events and giving books of her own to keep for the first time. We have taken her on a visit to the library and she has become the proud owner of a library card. Her improved literacy means she can keep up in the classroom. We will continue to support Mia and work with her secondary school to make sure she has the skills she needs to get a job. Now Mia has a route out of poverty.
Donate now to help more children like Mia.
