Urgency of literacy campaign ramps up due to pandemic

The World Literacy Foundation is calling for emergency support to improve children's reading standards after figures revealed the negative impact of the pandemic on literacy levels.

Award-winning authors and actors including Stephen Fry and Dame Helen Mirren add their voices to the charity’s call to urgently intervene to mitigate child illiteracy rates internationally.  

With literacy programmes spanning across USA, Sub-Saharan Africa, UK, Australia and South America the charity is appealing for donations, via its new campaign ‘Before it’s too late’ to help reach thousands of deprived children with books and literacy support in the coming weeks.  

“We know that due to the pandemic school closures 100 million more children than expected are falling behind the minimum reading levels and that children from low-income backgrounds are the most impacted due to limited access to books, education resources and owning digital devices,” said Founder and CEO of World Literacy Foundation, Andrew Kay.

Andrew Kay said “The support of Governments, corporates, and members of the community is vital to make the necessary impact to reduce the growing literacy gap. Making sure children can read and write properly and have the skills they need to prosper is our central focus. We are encouraged that the UK's Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s top priority, after the coronavirus vaccination programme, is children’s literacy. It is essential that all Governments ensure the planned improvement to the educational opportunities for thousands of children effected negatively by school closures.”

Best-selling author and actor, Stephen Fry added his support to the campaign saying: “Every child, no matter their circumstances, deserves access to books and literacy support. Please support the World Literacy Foundation with a gift today.”

Oscar and BAFTA winning actor Dame Helen Mirren added her voice to the literacy campaign and said: “I am proud to support the World Literacy Foundation’s 'Before it's too late' campaign. It highlights the devastating crisis of the millions of children living in poverty at risk of illiteracy. If you can, please consider giving a gift to this appeal.”  

Globally, at least 773 million youth and adults still cannot read and write and 250 million children are failing to acquire basic literacy skills according to UNESCO literacy figures.

Caroline Burkie, Global COO of the World Literacy Foundation said: “Illiteracy amongst children has a detrimental impact on a child’s health and mental well-being and is a proven obstacle to further education and employment opportunities. Providing innovative literacy support at a community level, to breakdown these causes of poverty for children is something we can all advocate. A £5 donation helps us reach a child living in bleak circumstances with their first book and literacy activity pack. By gifting your love and appreciation of reading today, you can change a child’s life.”

Bolu Babalola Forbes 30 under 30 and author of 'Love in Colour' said "Every child deserves a book of their own and what better day to gift our love of reading to the next generation by supporting this campaign. I don't know where I would be without books being such a significant part of my childhood."