Power of Literacy
The National Literacy Trust in the UK defines literacy as ‘the ability to read, write, speak and listen in a way that lets us communicate effectively and make sense of the world'. They seek to improve literacy skills, attitudes, and habits through campaigning, policy work and programmes. Here are some of their stats which show the need for this important work:
1 in 6 (18%) of adults in England, or 6.6 million people, can be described as having 'very poor literacy skills'
Only 1 in 3 (32.7%) children and young people said they enjoy reading in early 2025.
Children who enjoy reading are three times more likely to have good mental wellbeing than children who don’t enjoy it.
Literacy is essential for work, accessing digital tools, navigating life as a child and adult, and poor literacy will continue to have a negative impact on future generations if this cycle is not broken. It can affect wellbeing, confidence and self-esteem. For others, it is thought that they simply cannot access education at all. But this shouldn’t be the end of the story. It doesn’t have to be the ending.
We can change the storyline.
The Story Ark - passionate about Literacy!
Recognising the power of story, whether read aloud one-to-one or in a group, listened to through audiobooks, enjoyed alone through paperback, e-book or online, The Story Ark seeks to champion access to literacy and good stories. Stories are passed down through the generations and will continue into the future. Therefore, we return time and again to stories that have shaped us. We look for the true, good, and beautiful to lift our eyes higher and look wider than our immediate culture and time. Stories can be rediscovered afresh and retold in creative ways passing on the torch and bringing light where there is darkness.
Have a look through the resources below for more information on those who are making a difference for others in this area.
Resources
Teach Us Too - a charity promoting the right for all children to be taught to read and write, whatever their label or diagnosis.
National Literacy Trust - an independent charity that empowers children, young people, and adults with the literacy skills they need to succeed.
Adult Literacy Trust (ALT) - ALT believes that literacy is a right, not a privilege, and wants every adult to have the chance to gain this critical skill. They provide adults with one-to-one support to improve their reading skills and confidence.
Read-Aloud Revival - created by a homeschooling mother to encourage her children to enjoy books as much as her. There are some wonderful books just waiting to be discovered. It is both a podcast, a book, and so much more!
Royal National Institute of Blind People - reading, books and other helpful resources for those with vision loss. We also love the story about Louis Braille called ‘Out of Darkness: The Story of Louis Braille’ by Russell Freedman.