02 March 2021
Jersey Library has joined a global campaign to eradicate illiteracy and build a brighter future for children and young people.
From Thursday 4 March (World Book Day) to Friday 2 April (Children's Book Day) Jersey Library is inviting all Island children to join organisations from across the world to collectively read for 200 million minutes.
The campaign is run by Achievement for All, a not-for-profit organisation that works in partnership with schools and groups to improve outcomes for children vulnerable to underachievement.
Throughout the 28-day challenge, children and young people in Jersey can log their reading minutes in class and at home. Prizes will be awarded nationally to the schools or groups who achieve the highest average number of reading minutes per child. Certificates will also be available to individuals who reach key reading targets during the challenge.
Team Leader, Linne Omissi said: "We would love to see children across the Island participate in this fantastic initiative to boost reading across the globe. We think young readers in Jersey can be the real difference-maker in the 200 million minutes target being reached, and we would encourage everyone participating to make ample use of the books across our libraries and online services."
Minister for Education, Deputy Jeremy Macon said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for young people to get into the habit of reading and increase their language, imagination, and communication skills and I would urge all young Islanders to take up this challenge.
I hope that this challenge will encourage more children in the Island to discover a love of reading, as even just 10 minutes reading a day can make a huge impact to a child's development."
Islanders can find out more and register for free at https://200millionminutes.org
gov.je