Local MP, Caroline Dinenage today helped launch the Project 365 led by Rev Sean Blackman and We Can Read.
Rev Sean Blackman will be reading 365 books in 365 days to promote reading in the local area. He aims to encourage parents to read to their children, promote literacy in schools to develop children's skills and nurture a lifelong love of books. The campaign will also be encouraging children and parents to get sponsorship for reading a number of books and raising money for preschools, primary schools and secondary schools.
He will also be promoting the work of our local libraries and local group "We Can Read" which helps adults with literacy skills. 1 in 10 households in the UK do not have books.
Sean’s previous projects “30 Books in 30 Days” and “100 Books in 100 Days” were huge successes and raised over £1000 which enabled local schools to buy more books for their libraries to try and improve the worrying statistic 17% of 15 year olds have not attained minimum reading level.
Caroline said:
“Sean has helped to capture the imagination of local school children and inspire them to open books and enjoy the value of reading.
We know that this is so important for improving educational attainment but also inspiring creativity, expanding children’s horizons and increasing their understanding of others’ experiences.”
Sean Blackman said:
"The importance of reading is as vital today as it has ever been.
Reading makes us smarter, reduces stress, increases vocabulary, improves relationships by enabling us to see other people's points of views, boosts confidence improves job opportunities."
For more information about Project 365 please visit http://www.project365.org.uk/.