AN exciting campaign aimed at helping children boost their reading skills which has been running for the last 12 years is to return.
Witham MP Dame Priti Patel has announced the 13th edition of her annual Get Witham Reading campaign.
The initiative helps school children in Witham, Braintree, the Maldon district, and part of Colchester, boost their literacy skills.
This year’s launch event for the Get Witham Reading campaign takes place on July 5 at Powers Hall Academy, in Spa Road, Witham.
Hundreds of children, teachers, parents, and community leaders will get involved within the campaign to engage in a range of interactive reading and literacy activities.
This year’s theme is based on the 2024 Olympics which is taking place in Paris from July 26 to August 11.
Dame Priti is looking forward to the campaign.
She said: “I am so proud that ‘Get Witham Reading’ is in its 13th year. I created this initiative when I first became the MP for Witham almost 14 years ago to improve the literacy outcomes of our young people.
“Research into children’s reading ability is extensive and studies show that children who read more are more likely to get a good education, no matter their background.”
Get Witham Reading was launched in 2012 when children’s literacy levels in the town were below the national average.
At the time, national statistics highlighted that one in six pupils were leaving school without achieving the literacy skills expected of an 11-year-old.
Last year’s event was held at Templars Academy, in Cressing Road, and the former Minister of State for Schools, Nick Gibb, helped launch it alongside Dame Patel.
The theme was King Charles III’s coronation.
Daniel Sheehan and Maxine Harrington, the co-headteachers of Powers Hall Academy are thrilled to host this year’s launch event.
They said: "As a school, we are delighted to welcome MP Priti Patel to launch the prestigious Get Witham Reading Event in July.
"This is a fantastic initiative that we are proud to be part of to help promote a life-long love of reading and help raise literacy levels."
Any schools interested in participating in this year’s campaign should contact withammp@parliament.uk
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