Máire Zepf to champion reading as Na Daróige bookworms embrace Every Child a Reader scheme

Over 640 schools applied to Children’s Book Ireland and the Ballymagroarty Irish-medium school was one of only 15 selected.

“We are over the moon to be participating,” said Principal Fiachra Ó Donghaile. “We aim to foster a love for reading in our children from an early age, particularly Irish books.

"Baile Mhic Rabhartaigh is synonymous with literature with the streets named after famous Irish authors. We would love for our pupils to aspire for their names to adorn the streets in the future.”

“The project launched on Tuesday with the delivery of 180 books,” explained Caitlín Holmes, literacy co-ordinator. “There’s something for everyone from animals to sports, comics to factbooks.

"The children will engage in an exciting range of reading challenges and activities in the weeks ahead. They loved the first workshops with Máire and were extremely engaged in the ‘monster doodle’. Successful completion of the all challenges could lead to even more books for the school.”

The school will also receive visits from children’s author Máire Zepf.

Máire will act as Na Daróige’s very own Champion of Reading and will lead fun, creative workshops in writing and drawing. The school will also receive training through workshops on a range of topics including library management and book recommendations.

“In the current climate of cuts and incessant uncertainty, it is wonderful and refreshing to be sharing a good news story with our school community,” added Fiachra Ó Donghaile. “We would like to thank Leabhair Pháistí Éireann for this opportunity."

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