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Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall to visit National Literacy Trust project in celebration of International Literacy Day
25 Aug 2010
On International Literacy Day (8 September), Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall will visit an inspirational National Literacy Trust project in Wiltshire where she will read an extract from Hairy Maclary. International Literacy Day provides UNESCO with the opportunity to remind the world about the vital importance of literacy and celebrations take place around the world. The National Literacy Trust is an independent charity that works to transform lives through literacy in the UK, and the Wiltshire project supports families to develop the literacy skills they need for a successful and fulfilling life.
Her Royal Highness is passionate about literacy and recently presented the award for the Orange Prize for Fiction. In her speech during the event, Her Royal Highness discussed the ongoing importance of literature, especially to the young. She holds a firm belief that we must ignite a passion for reading in the next generation and discussed how her love of reading was inspired by her father. Her Royal Highness recognises the importance of the role of the family in developing the literacy skills children need for a fair chance in life.
On the day, Her Royal Highness will meet the Deputy Lieutenant of Wiltshire, Mr. Robert Floyd and local dignitaries. She will also take part in a Rhymetime session in Trowbridge Library with local parents and children. Her Royal Highness will then read the children an extract from Hairy Maclary, from Donaldson's Dairy, a Puffin Book by Lynley Dodd that she has chosen especially for the event. After the reading, local Wiltshire author Eileen Browne will read her book, the classic Handa’s Surprise, to the youngsters. Copies of Handa’s Surprise, published by Walker Books, will be given to the families by Her Royal Highness as a special gift to take home and enjoy together as a family. Her Royal Highness will then have the opportunity to meet with the families who are benefitting from the work to improve literacy levels in Wiltshire.
Wiltshire Council is working in partnership with the National Literacy Trust to extend the reach of support for literacy to the most needy families locally by involving a wide range of front-line services. In Wiltshire, this innovative work means that housing providers, midwives and health visitors are working together to support the literacy of more families and communities.
The overarching goal of the National Literacy Trust is to transform lives through literacy. One in six people in the UK struggle with literacy, which means their literacy is below the level expected of an eleven year old. A society that struggles with literacy grapples with problems that extend far beyond the school gates. Poor literacy impacts on a range of social outcomes - those with poor literacy are more likely to earn less, vote less, have lower aspirations, higher rates of family breakdown, and poorer mental and physical health.
Director of the National Literacy Trust, Jonathan Douglas, says:
“We are delighted that Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall is a passionate believer in the power of literacy to transform lives. It’s fantastic to have HRH here in Wiltshire to help celebrate International Literacy Day.
“Family involvement is vital in developing children’s literacy skills, and we must make it clear that learning does not end outside the school gates. Activities like Rhymetime are crucial in encouraging families that reading, writing, speaking and listening, the four key components that make up literacy skills, are a great way to bond with your children, while supporting their learning at the same time.”
Andrew Kerr, the Chief Executive of Wiltshire Council says:
“It is such an enormous honour to have Her Royal Highness with us in Wiltshire this International Literacy Day. Strong literacy skills are vital to the members of our community, and can help them realise their aspirations in many aspects of their lives.
“We want to ensure our children receive the best start in life possible, and we are working incredibly hard to achieve that goal. Our relationship with the National Literacy Trust is imperative in helping us reach this goal and we are proud of the exciting work that is being developed here.”
Ends
For further information about the National Literacy Trust, please contact Anna Lindsay, National Literacy Trust Public Relations Officer on 0207 820 6256 or Anna.Lindsay@literacytrust.org.uk
Notes to Editor
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.
About Wiltshire Council
Wiltshire Council became a unitary authority on 1 April 2009 when the County Council and four District Councils joined together.
Wiltshire’s vision is ‘to create stronger, more resilient communities’. This vision is all about people and places, fostering a sense of community belonging and self-sufficiency with the ability to drive and solve local problems.
The Library and Information Service provides a network of 31 fully accessible Libraries across Wiltshire and a Mobile Library Service visiting more than 200 villages and communities around the county.
Further information about the Library Service and Wiltshire Council in general can be found at www.wiltshire.gov.uk
