Why we need your help
Your support will enable us to reach children who desperately need help with their literacy. Read on to find out why our work is so important.
The work of Volunteer Reading Help has never been more relevant than it is today:
- Almost one in five children (84%) left primary school last year unable to read to the required standard - this is the same today as it was five years ago
- 7% of children aged 11 leave school with the expected reading level of a seven-year-old - something else that hasn't changed for the last five years
- Boys are more likely than girls to fall into this category - one in ten leave primary school reading no better than a seven-year-old
- Almost one third of children receiving free school meals failed to reach the required reading standard at age 11
Research shows that many of these children will fall further behind in secondary school. The resulting consequences associated with educational underachievement are widespread. Illiteracy is closely linked with long term poverty, unemployment, ill-health and/or involvement with the criminal justice system.
- 22% of men and 30% of women with the literacy level of a seven-year-old live in non-working households
- 70% of pupils permanently excluded from school have difficulties in basic literacy skills
- 25% of young offenders are said to have reading skills below that expected of a seven-year-old
- 60% of the prison population is said to have difficulties in basic literacy
That is why we need your support - now more than ever - to help prevent a generation who are unable to fulfill their true potential. You can donate today, find out more about how you can support us or become a volunteer with VRH.