NEW YORK, USA — Julian Lennon, the English-born singer/songwriter, filmmaker, author, photographer and humanitarian is recognised today for his philanthropic work as the founder of The White Feather Foundation.
Through the work of The White Feather Foundation, judges deemed Lennon as having demonstrated exceptional and sustained depth in commitment to the advancement of literacy.
Thank you to the @WorldLiteracy Foundation and to all the nominees helping to raise awareness.
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— Julian Lennon (@JulianLennon) September 7, 2021
The announcement was made at the online World Literacy Awards event hosted by the World Literacy Foundation. The awards were judged by a 16-strong panel which included writer, director, producer, Downton Abbey creator, Julian Fellowes, author and screenwriter Victoria Aveyard, Dr. Cree, the Chair of the World Literacy Council, and Tae Keller, author of the Newbery winning ‘When You Trap a Tiger’. There were many worthy nominees and winners of interest, for their outstanding work in literacy, around the world.
“With support from The World Literacy Foundation, children’s lives are transformed, creating a positive ripple effect worldwide. I am deeply grateful to be affiliated with this organisation and for the acknowledgement of my work with The White Feather Foundation as a recipient of this year’s World Literacy Awards,” said Julian Lennon.
The White Feather Foundation promotes and supports education, health, conservation, and Indigenous cultures through various projects worldwide. Lennon has written four books including the New York Times bestselling Touch the Earth trilogy for young children, and the forthcoming graphic novel, The Morning Tribe, for middle-grade kids, available this fall. Amongst his work to improve global literacy standards, Lennon set up The Cynthia Lennon Scholarship for Girls in honour of his late mother, and has so far awarded over 40 educational scholarships to girls across Africa and the U.S.
Andrew Kay, CEO of the World Literacy Foundation, said “The World Literacy Awards put a spotlight on individuals and organisations who are innovative in the literacy sector and Julian’s exemplary work with The White Feather Foundation and The Cynthia Lennon Scholarship for Girls is such an inspiration. We know the past 18 months have highlighted the need for communities to unite for literacy.”
Kay continued; “The pandemic has caused serious disruption in the lives of children learning to read and write, particularly those from low-income homes with limited access to books, education resources and online learning tools. Around the world so many children and young people need help in this fight against illiteracy. Literacy is the ticket to learning, opportunity and empowerment.”
Please visit this website for further information about the Judging Panel, other award recipients and the World Literacy Foundation.
