Gov. visits Campbell Co. students for literacy initiative

Posted: Oct 16, 2008 03:59 PM CDT

Gov. Bredesen addresses students at White Oak Elementary School.

DUFF (WATE) -- Gov. Phil Bredesen visited White Oak Elementary in Campbell County Thursday as part of the Save the Children literacy initiative.

Bredesen and Mark K. Shriver, vice president and managing director of U.S. programs for Save the Children, spoke with students about the importance of education and literacy.

"One of the greatest contributions we can make to a child is to help them develop a true, lifelong love for reading," Bredesen said.

"Developing their reading skills gives children the tools they need to start school on the right foot and have continued success, and the work of Save the Children's literacy initiative complements initiatives like our Imagination Library and voluntary pre-K programs," he added. 

Save the Children works in rural communities across the nation to assist elementary school-aged children living in poverty, with a special focus on developing their reading skills and comprehension.