Julian Lennon received the award today, on International Literacy Day, for his outstanding contribution to literacy along with UK winners, international projects and individuals who have contributed to literacy improvements around the world.
The awards were judged by a 16-strong panel which included writer, director, producer, Downton Abbey creator, Julian Fellowes, author and screenwriter Victoria Aveyard, Dr. Cree, the Chair of the World Literacy Council, and Tae Keller, author of the Newbery winning ‘When You Trap a Tiger’. There were many worthy nominees and winners of interest, for their outstanding work in literacy, around the world. There were many worthy nominees and winners of interest, for their outstanding work in literacy, around the world.
Julian Lennon, the English-born singer/songwriter, filmmaker, author, photographer and humanitarian is recognised today for his philanthropic work as the founder of The White Feather Foundation.
Through the work of The White Feather Foundation, judges deemed Lennon as having demonstrated exceptional and sustained depth in commitment to the advancement of literacy. The announcement was made at the World Literacy Award online event hosted by the World Literacy Foundation.
“With support from The World Literacy Foundation, children’s lives are transformed, creating a positive ripple effect worldwide. I am deeply grateful to be affiliated with this organisation and for the acknowledgement of my work with The White Feather Foundation as a recipient of this year’s World Literacy Awards.” Said Julian Lennon.
Read Easy UK founder and CEO Ginny Williams-Ellis also received an award today for her charity’s literacy work, on International Literacy Day, September 8 2021.
Virginia (Ginny) Williams-Ellis has won a World Literacy Award for their significant contribution to literacy by an Individual.
Ginny Williams-Ellis is a former literacy tutor and the founder and CEO of the UK charity “Read Easy” that provides free, confidential one-to-one reading coaching for adults from trained volunteers through locally-run affiliated volunteer groups. Since
2010, Read Easy UK, under the guidance of Virginia(Ginny), has grown from a 23 readers group to over 40 groups across the UK, helping more than 500 people a year to learn to read.
Andrew Kay, CEO of the World Literacy Foundation, said “The World Literacy Awards put a spotlight on individuals and organisations who are innovative in the literacy sector and Julian’s exemplary work with The White Feather Foundation and The Cynthia Lennon Scholarship for Girls is such an inspiration, we are delighted to also honour great literacy work of Malaika in the DRC, Ready Easy’s founder Ginny Williams-Ellis and Professor Bronwen Thomas, in the UK.”
“The UK is showing some fantastic work in the advancement of literacy. We know the past 18 months have highlighted the need for communities to unite for literacy.”
Professor Bronwen Thomas received the award today for her Academic research work on literacy in the digital age.
Bronwen Thomas is Professor of English and New Media at Bournemouth University and a Principal Investigator on several UK Government funded projects exploring how digital technologies are transforming reading. She is the author of Literature and Social Media and is currently working on a Companion to Literary Media.
Prof. Thomas is currently researching and exploring the impact of new digital technologies (e-readers, tablet computers etc.,) on readers and reading. She also investigates how readers use online spaces and social media to discuss their reading and interact with other readers, and how digital technologies may facilitate greater inclusivity and accessibility. The research involves working closely with a number of leading academics and stakeholders both in the UK and internationally.
Julian Lennon and The White Feather Foundation
The White Feather Foundation promotes and supports education, health, conservation, and Indigenous cultures through various projects worldwide. Lennon has written four books including the New York Times bestselling Touch the Earth trilogy for young children, and the forthcoming graphic novel, The Morning Tribe, for middle-grade kids, available this fall. Amongst his work to improve global literacy standards, Lennon set up The Cynthia Lennon Scholarship for Girls in honour of his late mother, and has so far awarded over 40 educational scholarships to girls across Africa and the U.S.
Malaika, a life-changing nonprofit organization in The Democratic Republic of the Congo received the award today, on International Literacy Day, September 8 2021.
Malaika has won a World Literacy Award for their significant contribution to literacy by an organization.
Through the incredible work of founder Noëlla Coursaris Musunka based in London, UK, judges deemed Malaika, based in the DRC, as having demonstrated exceptional and sustained depth in commitment to the advancement of literacy.
Before Malaika, the village of Kalebuka in south-eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo had no access to electricity, clean water, or educational facilities.
Malaika’s community-driven model has been integral to the organization’s success since its founding. Through a comprehensive, local approach, an entire village has undergone a transformative effect.
Outside of the school gates, they are ensuring the entire community thrives. The Malaika Community Center, opened in 2013 in partnership with FIFA, provides a hub of learning for over 5,000 youth and adults each year. From free literacy and vocational education to sports programs and regular access to the internet, Malaika is empowering lives from the ground up.
Andrew Kay continued; “The pandemic has caused serious disruption in the lives of children learning to read and write, particularly those from low-income homes with limited access to books, education resources and online learning tools. Around the world so many children and young people need help in this fight against illiteracy. Literacy is the ticket to learning, opportunity and empowerment.”
Please visit this website for further information about the Judging Panel, other award recipients and the World Literacy Foundation https://worldliteracyfoundation.org/world-literacy-awards/
©️ World Literacy Foundation. 2021.