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Halton MP Derek Twigg to visit local primary school as part of national campaign for literacy
26 Jan 2010
26 January 2010
MP Derek Twigg is due to visit Halebank Church of England School in Halton this Friday (29 January) to see how it is teaching literacy and using National Literacy Trust programmes to boost reading and writing.
Derek Twigg will see local schoolchildren taking part in a range of lessons to support literacy skills and build a lifelong love of reading and writing. He will visit the five and six year old pupils who are writing reports about animals as part of their literacy lessons this week.
His visit forms part of the National Literacy Trust’s forthcoming Vote for Literacy campaign which asks the public to urge political parties, individual MPs and candidates to prioritise literacy. MP and candidate visits in January and February will raise the profile of literacy as an important election issue.
Derek Twigg says:
“I am a true believer in the value of building our children’s literacy skills at an early age. By creating an inviting and fun environment for children to learn in, we are encouraging them to enjoy reading and writing. A love of literacy sets children on a path that leads to a happy, fulfilled and successful life.”
Jonathan Douglas , Director of the National Literacy Trust says:
“Literacy is more important to local communities than ever before. 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’re delighted that Derek Twigg MP has chosen to see for herself how literacy is being successfully supported in one local school. In the upcoming General Election, we want the public to challenge all MPs and prospective parliamentary candidates to encourage their party to adopt policies from our Manifesto for Literacy. Together we can address literacy and build a better future for us all.”
Ends
Notes to Editors:
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 will take 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.
