Who we help
Our reading project reaches over 8000 children in disadvantaged communities
31 Aug 2011
Our Young Readers Programme helps children and young people in areas of disadvantage to acquire the skills they need to develop as a reader, from knowing how to choose a book that engages them, to where they can find books once the project is over. Our project coordinators in schools, libraries and community groups use their local knowledge and expertise to tailor the project to best suit the needs of their children. Through them the Young Readers Programme has reached over 8000 children.
Our project coordinators have fed back on their work in 2010/11 and the results are very positive.
- 95% of coordinators report that children who began with a low interest in reading now have a more positive attitude towards reading, enjoy reading more and are more motivated to read.
- 94% of coordinators say their involvement with the programme was valuable for their professional development.
- 84% of coordinators in libraries report that the programme generated greater library footfall
Many coordinators also commented on the impact the project had on the children taking part: One coordinator told us:
Every year it still shocks me that some children do not own a book of their own, and for some the look on their faces when they knew that they would be able to pick three books that they wanted to read, and also be able to keep, was a sheer delight to see.
The Young Readers Programme is now available to all schools. Visit our resources page to find out more.
