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3.8 million children in UK do not own a book
5 Dec 2011
Monday 5 December 2011
3.8 million children in UK do not own a book
Charity calls on public to give the Gift of Reading this Christmas
A new National Literacy Trust report reveals that the number of children who do not own a book is increasing. Seven years ago 1 child in 10 did not have a book of their own while today the figure stands at a startling 1 child in 3. The charity has responded to the findings by launching its Christmas Gift of Reading fundraising appeal.
The decline in children’s book ownership is of particular concern as the report shows that the number of books in the home is directly linked to children’s reading levels.
In light of these findings the National Literacy Trust is asking the public to give the Gift of Reading this Christmas by making a donation which could give a disadvantaged child a book of their own for the first time. You can buy the ‘gift’ for yourself or give the unique present to the booklover in your life. Those giving the Gift of Reading will be able to choose an exclusive Christmas card designed by a children’s author.
The National Literacy Trust gives books to disadvantaged children at inspirational reading events. They are supported to become lifelong readers and learn how to choose books they will enjoy. A donation of £7 means a child could choose a book of their own to keep, £20 means a child could choose three books. Supporting disadvantaged children to read more helps them to develop vital literacy skills for success at school and throughout life.
National Literacy Trust Director Jonathan Douglas believes that we owe it to our children to give them the best possible start in life. He says:
Our research found that the number of children who do not own a book has increased from 1 in 10 to 1 in 3 in the past seven years. This is of particular concern as we know there is a direct correlation between book ownership and children’s reading abilities.
With 1 in 6 in the UK struggling with literacy it is very worrying that many children could be missing out on opportunities to develop these essential skills. Booklovers will remember enjoying bedtime stories or that ‘can’t-put-the-book-down’ feeling as children. Now they have the opportunity to help disadvantaged children discover the joy of reading too, by buying our Christmas Gift of Reading.
Anyone purchasing the gift for themselves or a loved one will be able to choose an exclusively designed Christmas card in return. Select from a choice of three:
- Charlie and Lola drawing by writer and illustrator Lauren Child
- Gruffalo drawing by illustrator Axel Scheffler
- Cartoon drawing by Guardian cartoonist and author Ros Asquith
A primary school teacher explains how a National Literacy Trust programme had an incredible impact on Shani, 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.”
ENDS.
For more information contact Jane Woodley at jane.woodley@literacytrust.org.uk or on 020 7820 6256. For out-of-hours enquiries only, call 07929 827 831 or 07786 807 312.
Notes to editors
* Clark, C, Woodley, J and Lewis, F. (2011) London: National Literacy Trust: The Gift of Reading in 2011, Children’s access to books and their attitudes towards reading. Read the report.
Further research findings include: number of children who have had a book as a present, number of books children read in a month. We are also able to provide stats on children’s reading levels in different regions.
Read more at www.literacytrust.org.uk/christmas
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.
