Sign here for literacy scheme Friday, March 20, 2009 - 10:23

Organisations and companies around Rotherham will be signing up to inspire the people of Rotherham to read, write, listen and talk, at an event organised by NIACE, signalling the launch of Inspire Rotherham.

NIACE has been working with Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council (RMBC) and Yorkshire Forward in preparing the ground for the project, consulting with local partners and talking to groups, volunteers and business.

Last winter NIACE ran a pilot of the work in the Maltby area bringing together schools, community groups, sports groups, volunteers and employers. The pilot resulted in a range of local projects and has provided the foundations for taking the project forward into other communities in Rotherham.

Brenda Ainsley, from NIACE, said:

"It has been a pleasure to work with the Council and with so many willing and interested people. In Maltby, there has been a strong sense that this is something that people really want to do. The response has been very encouraging, with lots of groups coming forward, ready to work in partnership with each other to achieve better literacy standards for all."

Inspire Rotherham aims to ensure that every child can read, write and speak fluently and with confidence by the time they reach the age of 11. It also aims to work with the wider community: parents, employers, young adults seeking work and volunteers, as all of these groups stand to benefit from improved literacy.

Councillor Roger Stone, Leader of Rotherham Borough Council, said:

"Working in partnership will be vital to making this scheme a major success in Rotherham to raise skill levels and take the borough into a bright future. We're already out there urging local organisations and businesses to get involved and the initial response has been very positive."

Ruth Adams, Head of Skills for Yorkshire Forward, said:

"We are extremely pleased to be supporting the Inspire Rotherham initiative and encourage local organisations and businesses to do the same."

"It is vital that these children have the opportunity and support to grow the skills with which they will ultimately contribute to our future community, indeed our future workforce."

"This initiative will help us to ensure everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential, to add to their quality of life and ultimately create a better place to live, work and rest."