World Literacy Foundation Announces Esteemed Judges for Awards 2021

Oscar and Emmy winning writer, director, producer and novelist Julian Fellowes, creator of Downton Abbey, four Pulitzer Laureates and four NYT Best-Selling Authors are amongst the distinguished judges for the World Literacy Awards 2021. 

The World Literacy Foundation (@WorldLiteracy) is delighted to announce the judging panel for this year’s WLF Awards, to be held virtually on International Literacy Day, September 8 2021.

The highly acclaimed panel will assess nominations in seven categories. Individuals, teams, and organisations will be recognised for their outstanding contributions to improve literacy within their communities or on a global scale.

“I am honoured to be a part of the judging panel for this year’s prestigious awards. The global illiteracy statistics are disturbing, and the pandemic is exacerbating the numbers. The work of the World Literacy Foundation must be acknowledged and commended, and those of us who are in a position to help amplify their efforts, in any way, must do so unreservedly.” said Julian Fellowes.

CEO of the World Literacy Foundation, Andrew Kay, expressed his appreciation to the judging panel and thanked them for agreeing to be part of the awards process.

“We are living in unprecedented times with the pandemic significantly impacting on children’s education and intensifying illiteracy globally. It is estimated 2.3 billion children are affected currently. But in spite of these tough times there are individuals, organisations and researchers doing phenomenal work to eradicate illiteracy. Through the World Literacy Awards we are proud to recognize their sterling efforts to eradicate this global crisis. I would like to thank everyone who works towards creating a more literate world and World Literacy Foundation friends who strengthen our capacity to provide children with much needed literacy support and resources.” 

Online nominations close on July 28, midday EST. Groups, non-governmental organizations and individuals who promote literacy are encouraged to apply directly or can be nominated by their supporters. All applications should be submitted through the application process in either of the categories.