Six volunteers from Peterborough were hosted by Her Majesty The Queen at a special garden reception at Clarence House, in London.
The event was in recognition of their work and support of the National Literacy Trust, as the charity marks its 30th year.
Student, Miss Jessica-Hollie Price, 17, from Jack Hunt School, part of Peterborough Key Academies Trust (PKAT), is part of the Youth Literacy Champion network in Peterborough enjoyed an afternoon with Her Majesty, the National Literacy Trust’s long-standing patron.
Since 2014, the National Literacy Trust has been working with the community in Peterborough to empower children, young people and adults with the literacy skills they need to get the most out of life.
Led by an on-the-ground team, the charity's work supports the development of literacy skills at school, at home and in the community – and the Literacy Champions play a vital role.
Jessica-Hollie Price has volunteered for the National Literacy Trust for two years. At school, she’s a reading buddy, helping younger pupils with their oracy and reading comprehension, and she has organised book hunts in her community that give families around Peterborough the chance to find a book to take home and keep.
Jessica-Hollie said: “This opportunity provided me with the chance to talk to poets and authors whose work I have enjoyed studying in my subjects. I feel inspired to continue the work I do as a youth literacy champion and help improve literacy in my community as it a way to unite the community.”
As part of her school volunteering, Jessica-Hollie has supported younger students – some of whom have English as an additional language – with studying for their English exams, which is valuable experience towards her future: she wants to be a teacher.
Tim Perkins, assistant headteacher at Jack Hunt’s Sixth Form said: “Jessica is an exemplary student who is passionate about reading and literature of all different genres.
"She has excelled this year in her work with the National Literacy Trust, using her drive and commitment to support many younger learners with their reading but also sharing her experiences with education practitioners through the NLT. We are thrilled that Jessica got the opportunity to go to Clarence House for the day and meet the Queen Consort, it is very well deserved.”
Also in attendance were Literacy Champions: Susan Sheriff, who works for children’s charity Family Action. She gifts books at events and is joined up with Woodfield Park food bank and the Holiday Activity Fund to provide books for children who use those services.
Marianne Hill who works at the Cancer Wellbeing Centre at Peterborough City Hospital, hosting a lending library so people living with cancer and their families can access books.
Deborah Cobb, a nursery manager in the city. She’s regularly provided digital content for the National Literacy Trust in Peterborough to share early years content for parents, including Makaton words and phrases. She’s also linked up with Broadleigh Nursing Home to foster intergenerational activity sessions between children and elderly residents.
More than 60 Literacy Champions from across England and Wales were invited to the party in recognition of all they do to support and improve literacy where they live.
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