Summer Reading Challenge enjoys record-breaking year

Parents living in property to rent in Southwark may be interested to know that more than 5,000 youngsters took part in this year's Summer Reading Challenge, beating all previous records.

A total of 5,631 children attempted the challenge of reading six books during the summer break, with 2,607 completing the task.

Many of the youngsters who participated were given prizes for their efforts at a presentation ceremony at the weekend, including three children from the same family who all received certificates.

Ugo Chukwuma, whose kids Ngozi, Chino and Chinedu have taken part in the Summer Reading Challenge for the last five years, said: "It is a great activity for children to do over the summer and has greatly helped the children with their reading."

Councillor Veronica Ward, cabinet member for culture, leisure, sport and the Olympics at Southwark Council, commented: "This is a great way of rewarding children who love to read, and encouraging them along the way.

"It's fantastic that the challenge is being taken up by a growing number of children each year and it's testimony to our excellent libraries that this is such a success," she added.

In August, Southwark Council revealed it will provide funding to high-achieving students who would otherwise be put off from going to university because of the costs involved.

Under the Southwark Scholarship Scheme, the council will help at least five students on an arts, science or vocational degree from October onwards for the duration of their course.

Successful applicants must have lived in the borough for at least three years.

Posted by Chris Price 

Published 17th October, 2011

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