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Bill Bailey, Kirsty Young and Alesha Dixon call on political parties to address literacy this World Book Day
26 Feb 2010
Celebrities lend their support to new National Literacy Trust campaign
This World Book Day (4 March), the National Literacy Trust is launching the Vote for Literacy campaign with the help of a host of celebrity supporters. The aim of the campaign is to urge political parties to prioritise reading and literacy in the 2010 election and to adopt policies from our Manifesto for Literacy.[1]
Literacy forms the foundation of a successful skills based economy but in the UK today one in six people struggle with literacy. Reading and literacy is more important now than ever before. A YouGov survey of the British public carried out for our Manifesto for Literacy discovered that:
- 69 per cent say their vote would be influenced by policies on literacy
- 92 per cent say literacy is vital to the economy
- 94 per cent believe the ability to communicate is a fundamental right in modern society
- 87 per cent believe that good literacy skills are essential for children to cope in today’s multimedia society
Vote for Literacy is being supported by celebrities including singer and presenter Alesha Dixon, TV presenter Kirsty Young, comedian, musician and published author Bill Bailey, espionage writer John Le Carré, popular chick lit author Adele Parks, much-loved children’s author Anthony Horowitz and former Poet Laureate Andrew Motion.
Jonathan Douglas, Director of the National Literacy Trust says:
“The next government will need to rebuild our economy and to increase opportunities for all young people. Levels of literacy must improve for them to achieve this. We want to challenge political parties to put literacy on their agenda and to adopt policies from our Manifesto for Literacy.
“We are calling on every member of the public who has a passion for reading and literacy to Vote for Literacy and take action by pledging their support for the campaign on our website. You can also send a letter to your MP, take part in our online quiz to find out what political party you should vote for based on their literacy policies and stay in touch with our new Facebook fan page and Twitter feed.
“With your support we can ensure all political parties will address literacy and build a better future for us all.”
Find out how you can take action today at www.literacytrust.org.uk/voteforliteracy
Ends
For further information about Vote for Literacy or to arrange an interview with National Literacy Trust Director Jonathan Douglas please contact Anna Lindsay, National Literacy Trust Public Relations Officer on 0207 820 6256 or Anna.Lindsay@literacytrust.org.uk
Notes to Editor
1. Manifesto for Literacy
The National Literacy Trust’s Manifesto for Literacy aims to influence the level and shape of political commitment to literacy in the run up to the General Election. The manifesto highlights key themes affecting literacy in the UK and makes specific recommendations pertaining to each. We believe that literacy is a tool for social mobility and want to ensure that the political parties do not default to treating literacy purely as a classroom issue. We are taking the manifesto to the Liberal Democrats, Labour and the Conservatives to influence the shape of literacy policy for the 2010 election.
2. About the National Literacy Trust
The National Literacy Trust is an independent charity that transforms lives through literacy. We believe that society will only be fair when everyone has the literacy skills they need to communicate, to fulfil their potential and to contribute more to society. We campaign to improve public understanding of the vital importance of literacy, as well as delivering projects and working in partnership to reach those most in need of support.
To help us transform lives through literacy, you can make a donation. To find out how visit http://www.literacytrust.org.uk/About/donate.html
National Literacy Trust is a registered charity no. 1116260, and a company limited by guarantee, no. 5836486. Registered in England and Wales. Registered address: 68 South Lambeth Road, London SW8 1RL. Tel: 020 7587 1842.
3. Case studies
Please find below an example case study. For further case study details, please contact Anna Lindsay, National Literacy Trust Public Relations Officer.
Case study: Matt from Walsall
“Everybody has the right to read, so that they can read prescriptions, read instructions. It ain’t this big scary thing, it is enjoyable and it can change your life.”
Matt is a 37 year old reformed offender, from Walsall. His youth was dominated by football, drink and drugs – education didn’t seem important. Matt took part in an education project through his local football club – not school, library or any other institution that he had felt isolated from throughout his life. Matt now works with young offenders, has completed his access course and will study history at university later this year.
