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MP David Howarth to visit local primary school as part of national campaign for literacy
4 Feb 2010
4 February 2010
MP for Cambridge David Howarth is due to visit St Philip's Church of England Primary School in Cambridge this Friday (5 February) to see how it is teaching literacy and using National Literacy Trust programmes to boost reading and writing.
David Howarth will see local schoolchildren taking part in a range of lessons to support literacy skills and build a lifelong love of reading and writing.
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.
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 David Howarth 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
If you are a member of the press and you would like to attend David Howarth’s visit or for further information about the Vote for Literacy campaign, please contact Anna Lindsay at the National Literacy Trust on 020 7820 6256 or anna.lindsay@literacytrust.org.uk
Where:
St Philip's Church of England Primary School
2 Vinery Way
Cambridge
CB1 3DR
When:
Friday 5 February
Time:
10:00am – 11:00am
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.
