Monday saw the launch of the Literacy Champions project at our Hugh Cubitt Centre in Islington. More than 40 families attended and children were entertained by Cbeebies presenter Katy Ashworth & Friends who treated boys and girls to a performance - Magic by Music – about three cupcakes who set out to change the world through music.
Children sang along to melodies sung by Katy and other performers and listened intently to how they could use their imagination and creativity to bring smiles to friends.
Katie Ashworth and friends at our Hugh Cubitt centre
The Literacy Champions project aims to encourage families to spend quality time together and improve the literacy skills of young children aged 2-5 years old. With support from volunteers, parents can learn fun ways to improve their children’s reading, writing, drawing and communication skills.
Irene Picton, National Literacy Trust’s Project Manager, explained how literacy changes lives, and that having good literacy skills has been proven to provide better life chances when introduced at an early age.
Yolanda Sissing, Peabody’s Volunteer Manager, said, “We are very excited to be launching this literacy initiative on some of Peabody's key estates, in partnership with the National Literacy Trust. As part of our commitment to addressing the causes of child poverty, we want to help parents by ensuring that their children have the literacy skills they need to be successful. Children can start working on developing sound literacy skills from as young as two years old. The project will encourage families to spend more quality time together and improve the lives of families and volunteers alike.”
The project will be delivered at Peabody’s Hugh Cubitt Centre as one hour long weekly sessions starting in November, but will also be launched on Pembury, Hammersmith, Vicarage Lane estates later this year. Sessions are free and will run for a period of 6 weeks.
If you’re interested in volunteering to support families, you will receive free training through the National Literacy Trust and travel expenses will be reimbursed. If you’re a family who would like to attend our sessions, or interested in becoming a volunteer please contact Peabody’s Volunteer Manager on Yolanda.sissing@peabody.org.uk
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