Overview:
• Iyanna Wilson, a passionate reader and writer, becomes a Youth Ambassador for the World Literacy Foundation, aiming to improve literacy rates in Cincinnati.
• She is dedicated to advocating for literacy and education and reversing the declining interest in reading among children.
By Darryn Keneally
The World Literacy Foundation announced that Iyanna Wilson is a Youth Ambassador for 2024. She will serve as a local advocate, aiming to increase education and community awareness about the importance of reading and writing and lift literacy rates in Cincinnati.
Wilson will join a global group of 15 to 25-year-olds from 40 countries who are striving to improve literacy outcomes for disadvantaged children who struggle to read.
Wilson, a spirited 16-year-old with a deep love for reading and aspirations to become a journalist, embodies a strong commitment to literacy and community engagement. From a young age, she immersed herself in books, maintaining a book blog where she rates and reviews books and interviews authors to delve deeper into their literary worlds.
Currently working on her first novel, Wilson recently organized a successful book drive at two local elementary schools, highlighting her dedication to promoting literacy among younger generations.
Driven by her passion for literature and community service, Wilson is drawn to the WLF ambassadorship because of its alignment with her core values and aspirations.
In an era dominated by technology, she recognizes children’s declining interest in reading as a pressing issue that requires attention and action. She believes this trend can be reversed through initiatives like the WLF, which are dedicated to fostering literacy and education. Wilson is eager to contribute her enthusiasm, advocacy skills and love for storytelling to inspire a new generation of readers and writers, ensuring that the transformative power of books continues to enrich lives and broaden perspectives.
Currently, 770 million people can’t read a single word, and a further two billion people struggle to read a sentence. In low-income homes, on average, 72% of children struggle to read. The impact of illiteracy is not just educational, but also social and economic, affecting the lives of young people worldwide.
As a Youth Ambassador, Wilson will have the opportunity to develop leadership skills and highlight literacy issues to the wider community.
For further information, visit: https://worldliteracyfoundation.org