Nine Cork Schools to Benefit from National Book-Gifting Programme

Nine Cork schools are set to receive free books as part of the latest phase of a nationwide book-gifting initiative run by Children's Books Ireland, aimed at fostering a love of reading among primary school pupils.

A total of 352 Cork pupils will each receive a free copy of The Brightest Star by author Meg Grehan, illustrated by Nene Lonergan, as part of a scheme that will see over 3,500 children across 91 schools nationwide benefit.

The Cork schools taking part are Midleton ETNS; Knocknagree N.S, Mallow; Derrinacahara NS, Dunmanway; Scoil Chaitigheirn, Eyeries; Castlelack NS, Bandon; Cullen NS, Mallow; Holy Well NS, Carrigaline; Bunscoil Rinn an Chabhlaigh, Cobh; and St Josephs Girls NS, Skibbereen.

The programme is funded through Enterprise Mobility's ROAD Forward initiative. Since 2021, Children's Books Ireland has donated more than 23,500 books to schoolchildren nationwide through the partnership.

Elaina Ryan, CEO of Children's Books Ireland, said:

"Becoming a key partner of Enterprise Mobility's ROAD Forward initiative has boosted our reach into communities where we are needed most. We share a commitment to giving children a passion for reading through a varied selection of current, accessible and imaginative stories. By introducing young readers to a wide range of Irish authors and illustrators, we hope these books will inspire, entertain and spark a love of reading that begins with a great book and lasts a lifetime."

Brendan Grieve, Vice President and General Manager of Enterprise Mobility, Ireland, said:

"Children's Books Ireland do a fantastic job of supporting child literacy in communities across Ireland, helping them develop positive, healthy and life-long relationships with reading. Providing more children with the opportunity to read for enjoyment through better access to a range of stories, topics and authors is a fundamental part of this work and I'm proud that the Enterprise Mobility ROAD Forward initiative is supporting this important work."

The ROAD Forward initiative, launched in 2020, supports organisations advancing social equity across North America and Europe. By 2030, nearly $165 million will have been granted to nonprofits addressing gaps in early childhood development, youth health and wellness, and career and college preparation, with over 1,150 organisations having received grants to date.

Children's Books Ireland is set to receive €240,000 in funding through to 2030 following an extension of the ROAD Forward initiative.