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Enterprise Mobility and Children’s Books Ireland have launched their 3rd year of partnership by donating 308 books to children at nine schools in Cork. This donation is part of a larger initiative distributing 4,600 books across Ireland.
Recipient schools in Cork include South Abbey National School, Douglas Rochestown Educate Together National School, Ballyhass National School, Cloughduv National School, Whitegate National School, Ardfield National School, Scoil na mBuachailli, Clonakilty, Scoil Chlochair Mhuire, Scoil Mhuire Milford.
The aim of the book gifting programme is to increase book ownership among children, enhancing literacy levels and inspiring a life-long love of reading. Additionally, the focus this year is also on supporting young readers with dyslexia, a condition affecting an estimated 1 in 10 students in Ireland*.
Serena Molloy’s Wider Than the Sea was chosen for this book drive. The Galway-based author struggled with dyslexia during her formative years and now writes stories that celebrate neurodiversity. Her book, Wider Than the Sea, features a dyslexic protagonist, enabling many young readers to see themselves reflected in the story. The book has also been designed with accessibility in mind, using larger, well-spaced font and black-and-white illustrations by George Ermos.
Author Serena Molloy expressed her gratitude, saying:
“I truly believe that reading, and developing a love of reading, can change lives. The ROAD Forward initiative is such a wonderful project, and I am delighted that my book has been selected this year.”
Brendan Grieve, General Manager of Enterprise Mobility in Ireland
, remarked:
“We are immensely proud of this book gifting programme, which has expanded significantly over three years. Every child should get the support they need to reach their full potential, and we hope this donation will spark a love of reading, and promote feelings of self-belief, inclusion and confidence. Through our partnership with Children’s Books Ireland, we are investing in the future of our youth and striving to enrich the communities where we live and work.”
Elaina Ryan, CEO of Children’s Books Ireland,
said:
“We are thrilled to continue working with Enterprise Mobility for a third year. The ROAD Forward partnership is based on shared values and a common commitment to social equality and inclusion. Serena Molloy’s powerful debut verse novel will inspire thousands of children at a crucial point in their reading journeys as they transition to secondary school. We are so grateful to Enterprise Mobility for enabling us to give this gift to children and to be able to reach so many young readers with this beautiful story.”
This project – which has gifted more than 10,000 books in Ireland to date – is funded by Enterprise Mobility’s global ROAD Forward initiative. Launched in 2020, this initiative represents a €50 million commitment over five years aimed at advancing social and racial equity in communities worldwide.
The counties where schools will be receiving books include: Donegal, Dublin, Carlow, Cavan, Clare, Cork, Galway, Kerry, Kildare, Kilkenny, Leitrim, Limerick, Longford, Louth, Mayo, Meath, Monaghan, Offaly, Roscommon, Sligo, Tipperary, Waterford, Westmeath, Wexford and Wicklow.
*Dyslexia Association Ireland | Supporting Children & Adults with Dyslexia