Literacy news
Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall to visit National Literacy Trust project in celebration of International Literacy Day
26 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 from Donaldson's Dairy, a Puffin Book by Lynley Dodd. 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.
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 Hairy Maclary, a book she has chosen especially for the event, to the children. 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.
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.”
