Leicester pupils celebrate World Book Day with literary donation from local supermarket
The Morrisons Foundation and National Literacy Trust donated ten books to the school library at Forest Lodge Academy.
Pic: Forest Lodge Academy
A Leicester academy has received ten books from a local supermarket as part of a national children's literary project under World Book Day.
The Morrisons Foundation and the National Literacy Trust donated the books to the school library at Forest Lodge Academy in New Parks.
School libraries in England, Scotland and Wales received over 5,000 books to help inspire a love of reading in over 130,000 primary school children.
Jessica Roberts, Community Champion at Glenfield, said: "I'm so proud to be helping kids in our community through the donation of these wonderful books.
"The challenges of the past couple of years have been difficult for us all, but particularly for younger children who not only missed out on school but also having time with their friends and teachers.
"I hope these stories will give children at Forest Lodge Academy some fun and help them find a love of reading."
In 2019, one in four (27 per cent) of 11-year-olds in England left primary school not reading at the expected level, rising to 2 in 5 (42 per cent) disadvantaged children.
Although efforts were made to narrow the attainment gap, there are concerns that the long-lasting effects of the disruption to education caused by COVID-19 may reverse the progress made in the last decade.
David Scott, Morrisons Foundation Trustee, said: "We're delighted to be teaming up with the National Literacy Trust again to provide books to hundreds of schools across our communities.
"We hope these books will provide enjoyment to children and help boost their reading and literacy skills."
The National Literacy Trust and Morrisons Foundation aim to support children's literacy recovery by investing in their school libraries post-pandemic.
Jonathan Douglas CBE, Chief Executive of the National Literacy Trust, said: "World Book Day is a great reminder of how important children's literacy is in developing their skills for the future.
"Our research suggests that around 400,000 children don't have a book of their own.
"We're delighted that Morrisons Foundation has chosen our charity again and will be donating books to hundreds of school libraries, providing fun and enjoyment to children."
Morrisons supermarket set up the foundation in 2015 and awards grants to charity projects that help improve people's lives.
The foundation has donated over £35 million to charities across England, Scotland and Wales.
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