Primary school children across the country are being gifted with thousands of new books from Morrisons this World Book Day®. The books are being donated to schools as part of a partnership between The Morrisons Foundation with the National Literacy Trust and aims to help inspire and nurture a love of reading among young pupils as research shows children’s enjoyment of reading in their free time and daily reading habits is at a 20 year low¹.
Alongside supporting literacy development, the books have been carefully selected to reflect topics relevant to Key Stage 2 pupils, with a focus on promoting positive mental health and emotional wellbeing. The collection includes titles that explore themes such as resilience, friendship, diversity, confidence and managing emotions, helping children to better understand themselves and the world around them.
Jason Vit, Assistant Director of Place-Based working for the National Literacy Trust said, “Children who enjoy reading experience benefits for their academic success, their wellbeing, creativity, and confidence, but our latest research shows that there has been a steep decline in reading engagement.
“Ensuring all children have access to a diverse range of books that engage and excite them through their own interests, hobbies, and experiences is one important way that we can help build a generation of readers, so we are delighted to work with Morrisons to curate this book donation reaching hundreds of school children across the country.”
David Scott, Morrisons Foundation chair of Trustees said: “We’re delighted that through the partnership between the Morrisons Foundation and the National Literacy Trust we’re able to provide these wonderful books for schools in the heart of our communities.
“It’s great to be able to help encourage children to read with their friends, families and teachers and I hope that pupils enjoy reading the books for many years to come.”
The Morrisons Foundation was established by Morrisons in 2015 to support charity projects that help improve people’s lives. Since launching, more than £46 million has been donated to charities across England, Scotland and Wales, funding thousands of community-led initiatives.
The Foundation focuses on projects that make a tangible difference to local communities, supporting causes that promote health, wellbeing, education and community cohesion.
