On International Literacy Day on Sept. 8, Save the Children will join forces with actor and artist ambassador Jennifer Garner and other stars to host a day-long virtual word-a-thon and bring attention to the poverty-induced early learning gap.
The event is part of the organization’s newly launched #FindtheWords campaign, designed to give voice to children in poverty who hear 30 million fewer words by age three than children from well-off families.
“Every child has something to say, but 250 million children living in poverty in the United States and around the world don’t have the words they need,” said Jennifer Garner in a recently released public service announcement. An avid supporter of early childhood education, Garner will hold a virtual Q&A during the word-a-thon. “In this back-to-school season, please join me in supporting Save the Children to help kids in need #FindtheWords.”
Leading up to the big day, 30 of the top influencers in the blogosphere have been riling up their audiences and garnering support through Save the Children’s 30 Days/30 Words blogger challenge. To raise awareness, each blogger has written a post highlighting a specific, meaningful word. The 30 posts in 30 days symbolize the 30 million words too many kids miss out on.
“Each and every one of us can make a difference in the lives of all those children who continue to fall behind before they even start school,” said Save the Children president and CEO Carolyn Miles. “We call on all Americans to join us on Sept. 8 in helping shed light on this early learning crisis — we all have a favorite word, so post yours and tag it #FindtheWords.”
Save the Children provides kids from poverty-stricken communities in the United States and around the world with access to books, essential learning support and a literacy-rich environment, setting them up for success in school and a brighter future. The organization’s domestic and global education programs receive support from a variety of corporate funders, including Bulgari, Carter’s, IKEA, Mattel, OshKosh B’gosh, Primrose Schools, PVH, Scholastic and T.J.Maxx.
To learn more about Save the Children’s #FindtheWords campaign and how to get involved, visit www.SavetheChildren.org/FindtheWords.
