Children from low income families are not reading books at home

World Literacy Foundation

Children from low income families are not reading books at home

September 6 2019

World Literacy Foundation Research released today found children from low-income backgrounds in Australia have fewer than 5 books at home and are not reading a book regularly at home.

Increased screen time is contributing to falling rates of reading, and literacy specialists are concerned.

In a bid to change this trend, a reading campaign will be launched on International Literacy Day on September 8 to promote a greater culture of reading.

“Reading skills are the key determining factor for a child’s future academic success and reaching their full potential,”said Andrew Kay CEO World Literacy Foundation.

“Poverty, unemployment, and life-long social, economic and personal problems are the significant effects of illiteracy.

“A white paper released by the World Literacy Foundation showed the worldwide social and economic cost of illiteracy to society is valued at approximately $20 billion per year.

“A person with low level literacy skills will earn 35% less income each year than a literate person,” he said.

World Literacy Foundation is a global literacy charitable organisation focused to mobilize people who wish to learn about and take action to the challenge of supporting the770 million people in the globe who are illiterate and a further 2 billion people who struggle to read a sentence. In Australia, an average of 24% of the population struggle with literacy and with some communities in Australia it’s as high as 48%

“We strive to eradicate illiteracy and ensure every child can discover the joy of reading. Today’s readers are Tomorrow’s leaders,” said Andrew Kay CEO World Literacy Foundation.

Today, children need to be able to read fluently to reach their full potential. Reading is the key to success & opportunities, plus feeding a young mind in creativity, academics and vital to stimulate the imagination.

About World Literacy Foundation:

https://worldliteracyfoundation.org/

About International Literacy Day:

International Literacy Day, celebrated annually on 8 September, is an opportunity for Governments, civil society and stakeholders to highlight improvements in world literacy rates, and reflect on the world’s remaining literacy challenges. It was proclaimed by the UN in 1966.

https://en.unesco.org/commemorations/literacyday

/Public Release.