Manchester’s schoolchildren are sharing their love of reading with disadvantaged children in an attempt to boost literacy levels in the city.
After the National Literacy Trust revealed that 40,000 children across Greater Manchester did not own a book, the “Gift of Books” campaign has encouraged pupils to help disadvantaged children through the power of reading.
Schoolchildren across the region are marking World Book Day by donating their favourite stories with a note to tell the next owners why they enjoyed them so much.
Cavendish Primary School, in West Didsbury, was one of the first schools to sign up to the campaign.
Reading co-ordinator Helen Cooper said: “What makes this initiative so interesting is that it is children helping children.
“It’s been rewarding to see the enthusiasm of so many of our children to want to give something back to their community and help others through the power of books and the written word. It’s inspiring.”
In partnership with the National Literacy Trust, Cartridge Save is redistributing the books to children in the areas of greatest need.
Cartridge Save’s managing director, Ian Cowley, said: “It is simply wrong that in 2018 so many children have still never owned a single book, a clear sign of imbalance in our society.”
The National Literacy Trust and Manchester City Council have also come together to celebrate World Book Day and develop the Read Manchester campaign.
Working with libraries, schools, businesses and communities, they have given away thousands of free books to children in the city and raised the profile of reading for pleasure.
Anyone can donate a book to the campaign – to sign up as a collection point, register at: https://www.cartridgesave.co.uk/printwhatmatters/gift-of-books/
