UK technology staffing solutions provider, La Fosse, has partnered with Bookmark Reading Charity to help children develop essential reading skills.Headquartered in the capital, La Fosse employs more than 220 people, with the company committing to donate a sum to Bookmark for every client invoice paid within two weeks.
Figures show that more than one in four children in England leave primary school unable to read to the expected standard. This has a lifelong effect, leading to limited job prospects, poor health and low self-esteem in later life. Consequently, England has one of the lowest literacy rates in the developed world despite being part of the UK – the fifth largest economy in the world.
In their first month of support, the company has already gifted enough money to provide 15 children with dedicated reading support over the course of a full Bookmark reading programme.
Simon La Fosse, Executive Chairman, explains: “The decision to partner with Bookmark was a logical one for us. As a specialist agency operating within the technology sector, we have seen at first hand the rapid advances that are taking place.
But without the right support and guidance at an early age, there will be many young people entering the workforce who won’t be able to benefit from the opportunities that these developments present because of poor literacy skills.
We want to play our part in helping more and more children to have access to the critical support that Bookmark can provide.”
To help tackle the literacy problem in the UK, Bookmark have built an innovative digital platform to match schools with local volunteers who have been safeguarded, vetted and trained by the charity. The charity’s six-week reading programme consists of two, 30-minute sessions each week at a primary school, with a child who needs extra support with their reading.
Kitty Higgins, Chief Executive at Bookmark, says:
“At Bookmark, we are helping children develop the reading skills they need early, so that they have the tools to succeed in school and beyond. Our volunteers support children in primary school to expand their vocabulary, improve their literacy skills and find enjoyment in reading. These skills extend well beyond books in the classroom; they are crucial skills throughout an individual’s life.
Through La Fosse’s support, we are already able to provide reading support to 15 children, which is absolutely fantastic. We are thrilled to have entered into this partnership and look forward to working together more to raise awareness and help tackle child illiteracy. A huge thank you to Simon and the team.”
Simon La Fosse added: “We want to prove that caring isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s also good for business. This doesn’t just apply to how we treat our candidates, clients and each other, it is a central focus in how we want to drive our operational practices.
Not only will the money donated fund crucial reading support for children, but it will also provide valuable publicity for Bookmark’s fantastic work.”