Illiteracy Threatens Kids' Future
By Staff -- School Library Journal, 10/1/2004
What do Americans think is the most pressing social issue affecting our children's future? Illiteracy ranks number one, followed by health care and the environment, according to a recent survey by the financial services firm TD Waterhouse.
The survey—which polled 1,022 Americans from July 30 to August 2—also found that 51 percent of the population considers reading as the most important skill in a child's development, more than listening (30 percent), speaking (12 percent), and writing (4 percent).
Sadly, the lack of access to books is the leading cause of illiteracy in children, with 61 percent of low-income families having no books for children in their homes, and more than 80 percent of the preschool and after-school programs serving at-risk children having no books at all, says the U.S. Department of Education.
If you're interested in combating illiteracy, visit www.tdwaterhouse.com/firstbook to take part in TD Waterhouse's First Book Campaign 2004, a nationwide online book drive whose goal is to donate 50,000 new books to disadvantaged children and youth. "Hosting a virtual book drive seemed like an ideal fit given our expertise in technology and online services," says Tim Pinnington, TD Waterhouse's chief operating officer.
