| EmmaRiddle | 03-28-2008 11:45 AM |
J.K.Rowling presents awards at Edinburgh Prison
J.K.Rowling recently visited Edinburgh Prison, in Scotland, to present awards to the inmates. She was invited by the Shannon Trust, a London-based charity that 'helps prisoners across the UK learn to read'. Quote:
David Ahern of the Trust said: "We were delighted that JK Rowling was able to visit. She gave the prisoners a real boost.
"Some were just starting out on the scheme and this gave them a real incentive to continue learning.
"Prison can be a lonely place for learners so knowing there are international figures like JK Rowling supporting them makes a huge difference to them."
| Quote:
Rowling said following her visit on March 4: "I am pleased to be able to support the Shannon Trust's work, and it was a very positive experience to go and see the Toe by Toe scheme in action and meet some of the mentors and mentees.
"Learning to read represents a significant turning point in anyone's life, and may be the one thing that makes a difference to help people in prison turn their lives around."
| According to the organisation, 65% of prisoners having the reading level of 11 years or younger. This renders them less likely to find employment and three times more likely to re-offend. The programme involves inmates teaching each other with the support of mentors. | 