Chapter One Impact Report 2023-24 - Flipbook - Page 3
The statistics are sobering: according
to the National Literacy Trust9s annual
survey of 76,000 children, just 34.6%
say they enjoy reading - the lowest
level since 2005. It9s an urgent call to
action for all of us who care about
motivating and inspiring young
readers.
WELCOME
FROM OUR
CHIEF
EXECUTIVE
At Chapter One we9re responding to
this urgency by doubling down on the
things that we know work, as well as
developing a number of promising
pilots.
As this Impact Report explains, in 202324 we saw remarkable progress. Our
Online Reading Volunteers Programme
mobilised an army of 2,744 volunteers
who, between them, gave over 2.4
years worth of reading support to
young children who needed it most.
That's thousands of professionals from
132 companies taking time out of their
busy weeks to be "reading influencers"
in a child's life. These committed adults
are not 8just9 reading stories with young
learners - they're building confidence,
sparking joy, and showing children that
reading can be an adventure.
And, as you9ll read, our model is
working. We're seeing real changes in
children's reading skills and confidence.
When they light up after finishing a
book, when they proudly read aloud
without hesitation - that's the magic
happening.
Our impact is clear in the measurable
improvements we see in children's
reading skills, attitudes and behaviours.
Moreover, our corporate volunteers
report that this meaningful
engagement enhances their own
wellbeing at work.
When businesses, schools and
volunteers unite behind young readers,
we create lasting change. That's what
gets me up in the morning, and I hope it
inspires you too.
Emma Bell
CEO, Chapter One
2023-24 Impact Report: Welcome
2022-23 Impact Report: At-a-glance
03
