We’ve pledged our support for the #200MillionMinutes reading challenge - have you?

#200MillionMinutes is a global reading challenge, which aims to eradicate illiteracy and build a brighter future for children and young people. Set to launch on World Book Day (5th March) and run through to Children’s Book Day (2nd April), the annual event aims to reach a collective read time of a whopping 200 million minutes - a never before reached target.

The campaign is run by Achievement for All, a leading not-for-profit organisation that works in partnership with schools and settings to improve outcomes for all children and young people who are vulnerable to underachievement. Achievement for All hopes that through this global challenge, more children will discover a love of reading.

Professor Sonia Blandford, CEO of Achievement for All, said,

“It is fantastic that the 200 Million Minutes reading challenge is getting such great levels of support and involvement.”
Blandford continued, “Right from the start, reading dares you to grow in language, imagination, communication and self. Introducing all children and young people to the habit of reading in everyday life can improve prospects, unlocking new worlds and possibilities. 10 minutes of reading a day can make a huge impact to a child’s development and de-stress their parents and carers! Imagine what a collective 200 million minutes will achieve!”

Throughout the 28-day challenge, children and young people across the world can log their reading minutes in class and at home. Prizes will be awarded to the schools or settings who achieve the highest average number of reading minutes per child or young person. Certificates will also be available to individuals who reach key reading targets during the challenge.

Co-Founder and CEO of Scanning Pens, Jack Churchill, said,

“1 in 5 primary school children are unable to read or write at their age level. That’s why movements like the 200 Million Minutes reading challenge are so important. We’re always on the look-out for new, exciting ways to inspire a love of reading among young people and hope that this reading challenge is the start of a meaningful reading journey for many across the globe!”

Last year, over 489,600 children and young people across the UK participated in the 200 Million Minutes Reading Challenge, collectively reading 140,874,550 minutes in total. With children and young people across the continents being able to get involved in the 2020 event, the challenge is bigger and better than ever before.

Get involved here.